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Vancouver Island greets cross-Canada Dare to Dream biker
BC Cancer Foundation welcomes Dare to Dream team to the Vancouver Island
August 05, 2003, Victoria, BC - A convoy of Vancouver Island bikers rode into Victoria today escorting trans-Canada motorcyclist Deborah Landry, who is riding coast-to-coast in a bid to raise $1 million dollars to fund continued ovarian cancer research, treatment and education programs across the Canada.
Riding a Honda 1800 motorcycle and packed with a tent, Deborah started her 17,765 kilometre ride in Toronto on June 14. Earlier today, several local motorcyclists, including representatives from Steve Drane Harley Davidson Ltd, supported Deborah by riding with her into Victoria where a welcome reception was held at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre.
"Deborah's journey highlights the long road all cancers patients and relatives have to face," said Mary McNeil, BC Cancer Foundation president and CEO. "It has been a privilege for us to support the campaign and congratulate her on a truly inspirational adventure. The BC Cancer Foundation is very grateful to Deborah, and all the donors to Dare to Dream on Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia who are contributing to making a difference in the lives of people dealing with the effects of ovarian cancer."
All the proceeds from the Dare to Dream for Ovarian Cancer campaign's visit to the province will be given to the BC Cancer Foundation, supporting research, treatment and educational programs at all four BC Cancer Agency centres, including the Agency's Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in Victoria.
"There is a network of researchers across Canada working on new strategies to detect and treat ovarian cancer," said Dr. Brad Nelson, director of research at BC Cancer Agency's Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre. "Deborah's cross-Canada tour beautifully symbolizes this nationwide effort, and will also help to raise public awareness about this disease. Ovarian cancer can and will be cured, provided there is sufficient support and commitment from the public. Here on Vancouver Island, we will be putting the funds from Dare to Dream towards research into ovarian cancer at our new Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre, which is part of the BC Cancer Agency"
In addition to her $1 million fundraising target, Deborah hopes to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, which is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer death in Canada. In 2003, 2600 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 1550 of those will die. 75 per cent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages where survival rates are poor.
The idea for the Dare to Dream for Ovarian Cancer project emerged when she was witness to the devastating effects of ovarian cancer on two people close to her. Her friend's mother, Edith Grech lost her battle against ovarian cancer last year while another friend - Kim Perkins - continues to fight against the disease.
"I wanted to do this for all women with ovarian cancer," said Deborah. "Ovarian cancer is a lethal woman's cancer, which doesn't care whether you are rich, poor, black or white. Edith's fatal struggle with ovarian cancer and Kim's suffering is beyond words - a death from ovarian cancer is not for the meek or mild and this experience will stay with me forever."
While traveling, Deborah has met with survivors, friends, families, and health care workers who spearhead the fight against cancer. Attendees at today's reception in Victoria for the Dare to Dream for Ovarian Cancer team included doctors from the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre and representatives from the BC Cancer Foundation.
Deborah will make several more stops in BC before turning her bike around and riding East. They include a visit to the BC Cancer Agency's Centre for the Southern Interior in Kelowna on August 11. She completes her journey by arriving back in Toronto on September 6.
To support Dare to Dream for Ovarian Cancer on Vancouver Island people can call 250 519 5550 or donate online at bccancerfoundation.com - go to donate online, events and type in Dare to Dream Vancouver Island.
About the BC Cancer Foundation and the BC Cancer Agency:
The BC Cancer Foundation is an independent charitable organization that raises funds to support breakthrough research and compassionate care through the BC Cancer Agency. The BC Cancer Agency provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia and conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer. For more information, please visit: www.bccancerfoundation.com
About Dare To Dream for Ovarian Cancer:
On July 14, 2003 Deborah Landry set off on her Honda motorcycle to travel across Canada in the Dare to Dream for Ovarian Cancer ride. The goal of the 17,765 kilometre journey is to raise $1 million and increase awareness of ovarian cancer. Money raised in communities during the ride is being donated to support research and treatment in local cancer centres. Deborah is scheduled to complete her journey on September 6, 2003. For more information, please visit: www.daretodreamforovariancancer.ca
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Laura Walsh
Director of Development
BC Cancer Foundation Vancouver Island
Phone: (250) 519-5554
lwalsh@bccancer.bc.ca
Angela Sommers
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
BC Cancer Foundation (Vancouver)
Phone: (604) 707-5905
asommers@bccancer.bc.ca
Sandi Pniauskas
Communications Coordinator
Dare to Dream for Ovarian Cancer
Phone: (905) 668-0767
sandipn@sympatico.ca
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