Abbotsford businessman and philanthropist Dave Holmberg made a $100,000 gift to the BC Cancer Foundation that will go to cutting-edge radiation therapy equipment at the BC Cancer Agency Abbotsford Centre.

Cancer has deeply impacted the Holmberg family.

A year-and-a-half after losing his eldest son, David Jr., to brain cancer, Holmberg received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma - a cancer of the plasma cells.

After 27 rounds of radiation therapy from BC Cancer Agency specialists, whom Holmberg describes as highly skilled and compassionate, he has now completed his treatment.

Holmberg said he knew how important it was to have access to the best equipment in the battle against the disease.

He also recognized the advancements in cancer knowledge and care happening in B.C. and believes in the value of research.

A clinical trial gave David Jr. 17 months of added time with his family until he passed away at age 48.

"I have no doubt that the clinical trial treatments gave David extra time," said Holmberg.

"Anything we can do as a public to help move research forward is truly important."

More than 1,000 patients are treated with radiation therapy at the Abbotsford Centre each year. Dr. Nisar Ahmed, radiation oncology leader at BC Cancer Agency Abbotsford Centre.

"Radiation therapy is a critical component in cancer care, which is ever-advancing," Ahmed said.

"This generous gift from the Holmberg family will help ensure we have the latest, most technologically advanced systems for our patients in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley."