Bell News - December 1999

Comfort Heart initiative raises more than $1 million

One Comfort Heart at a time. That’s how Carol Ann Cole, former Bell vice-president and breast cancer survivor, has raised more than $1 million for cancer research.

She started the Comfort Heart initiative in 1996, with a goal to raise $500000. Thanks to her unflagging energy, the individual efforts of many volunteers and support from Bell Canada, Carol Ann has surpassed that goal - twice. She’s also toured across Canada, speaking to groups from five to 1,000 people, volunteering her time, enthusiasm and effort. “Regardless of the audience size, the most humbling thing has been the human connection this small pewter heart creates,” says Carol Ann. “Without exception, the feedback I receive is that the Comfort Heart gives you three things: comfort, hope and the constant reminder that you are not alone.” Carol Ann appreciates the continued support from Bell. She’s in touch with someone from the company almost daily. “My contact with the Bell family remains as strong as ever,” she says. Carol Ann has been honoured with numerous awards, including the Canadian Cancer Society’s Terry Fox Award, the Maclean’s Honour Roll 1998, and the Jewish Women International (Toronto chapter) Woman of the Year Award. She is a national board member of the Canadian Breast Cancer Network and the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative.

To order a Comfort Heart or to contact Carol Ann, write to:
Box 27013,
Halifax, NS
B3H 4M8