'Paying it forward to future generations'

Alberta’s Tomorrow Project celebrates 20 years of research with 55,000 participants

Story by Heather Oliver

With a goal to contribute to valuable cancer and chronic-disease research, Alberta’s Tomorrow Project (ATP) first began recruiting people in 2001.

In their early days, the ATP team knew that recruiting 50,000 participants would be an ambitious goal, but early adopters like Ron Guidinger show there were many generous Albertans inspired by the project’s vision.

Guidinger, a former fighter pilot, signed up because he saw it as an interesting and meaningful way to further medical research. Today, he recalls thinking, ‘hey, why not’, since it would be easy to and would make a positive difference someday.

“Being a part of ATP is my small way of paying it forward to future generations,” Guidinger adds. “Whether it be the quality of life of the next generation or informing better practice for future health regimes, I wanted to contribute to that.”

As well as his time, he’s also generously provided lifestyle information and samples such as saliva and urine and undergone bone-density exams.

Now, on the 20th anniversary of the project, he’s found even more ways to contribute — as the volunteer co-chair of the Participant Advisory Committee (PAC). The committee plays a key role in representing the diverse voices of ATP’s now 55,000-strong participant base as it advises, guides and informs the project’s decision-making and activities.

“I’m a natural leader and joining the PAC felt like a natural progression of my life’s experience.” Says Guidinger.

“It’s a really interesting, thoughtful and enthusiastic and diverse group with interesting perspectives. It’s exhilarating to participate in the sessions, and to hear the thoughts that come up in conversations. I continue to marvel at how well PAC meetings have been guided by ATP staff.”

Guidinger believes that 20 years of ATP is a mark of success, and the longevity of the program confirms its value. It’s also given him confidence that, with each passing year, its value will continue to grow — and this means a lot to him

“From the beginning, I believed this study was going to meaningfully add value to medical research, disease prevention, diagnoses, improving prognosis and managing disease symptoms. All of this is my source of inspiration to continue engaging with ATP.”

Alberta’s Tomorrow Project also reminds him, in one respect, of his airborne days. For a fighter pilot, the “knowledge, skill and doctrine for flying is built over generations so people can learn and not make the same mistakes as the past and learn from them.

“This isn’t just for me. New ideas are constantly being injected into the project, and considering and adding to the latest thinking, so that future generations can benefit. Building these long-term projects provides the infrastructure for future healthcare decision-makers.”

Guidinger adds that he plans to a part of the study for as long as he can.

Learn more about Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. Join us in celebrating our 20th anniversary; follow our ATP blog or join the conversation on Facebook and X.