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BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage featuring Lance Armstrong raises over $1.8 million for blood cancer research
September 23, 2007, Vancouver, B.C -Kelowna-Mission MLA and cancer survivor Sindi Hawkins' dream came true this weekend with the arrival in B.C. of cycling star Lance Armstrong to headline the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage. “I promised myself when I got better that I would raise a lot of funds for the doctors who saved me so they could help others,” she said. “I dreamed of having the biggest cancer advocate on the planet to help me do it -- dreams do come true."
Lance Armstrong said, “This is a great opportunity to help the work being done at the BC Cancer Foundation. It’s rare to see such passion in a group of people, and we need passionate people to help fight this war. I’m excited to help out.” The BC Cancer Foundation raised over $1.8 million for blood cancer research in its first Tour of Courage weekend. The cycling fundraiser featured the world-famous cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion in an 80-km challenge ride through the Kelowna area Saturday and a community ride through Vancouver’s UBC and Pacific Spirit Park this morning.
“Cancer is a disease that touches each and every one of us directly or indirectly," said Premier Gordon Campbell, honorary chair of the event. "However, with courage and hope of people like Lance Armstrong and Sindi Hawkins, we will defeat this disease. It was an honour to participate in the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage community ride today and I thank everyone involved for not only raising vital funds but also raising important awareness about this disease that impacts so many of us."
Hawkins added, “This means more to me than I can say. The awareness and funds we have raised this weekend in the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage will make a real difference in how we can treat blood cancers. It will help thousands like me who have lived with cancer. Thank you Premier Campbell and thank you to our wonderful team and sponsors including our presenting sponsor Haywood Securities.”
BC Cancer Foundation interim president Nick Locke also thanked the event sponsors and Lance Armstrong. “You are a true inspiration,” he said, “as is Sindi Hawkins, who chaired the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage committee. We cannot thank you enough. The over $1.8 million we raised today will make a significant difference in how we are able to treat blood cancers not just here in B.C. but around the world.”
Nearly 1,000 people in B.C. and over 7,000 Canadians are diagnosed every year with blood cancers such as leukemia, myeloma or aggressive lymphoma. The BC Cancer Agency research funded by the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage may fundamentally change how blood cancers are diagnosed and treated.
Established in 1935, the BC Cancer Foundation raises funds for research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency throughout B.C. The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides a cancer control program for everyone in British Columbia.
The BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage is sponsored by: Haywood Securities, Deans Knight Capital Management, Canaccord Capital Corp., Roche, Kelowna Mountain, Sidoo Family Foundation, The Vancouver Sun, The Province, Global TV, VANNET Weeklies, 96.9 Jack FM, 104.9 Clear FM, Progressive Contracting, Washington Marine Group, 7 Eleven, Mr. Amin Salemohamed, General Paint, Medicine Centre, Myra Systems and sponsored in-kind by Myra Systems, Mission Hill Estate Winery, the Calgary Foundation, TRAXX Coachlines, Gastown Printers, Maple Ridge Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Westgate RV Centre, Proshow Audio Visual & Broadcast, Tac Mobility, Trek Bikes, Caps Westwood Cycle, criticalspeed.com, PezCycling News, UBC, Hotel Eldorado and The Iristani Princess.
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For information:
Penny Noble APR, Senior Director Public Affairs,
BC Cancer Foundation: 604 707 5902
or
Judy Hamill, Communications Officer,
BC Cancer Foundation: 604 707 5934
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