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BC Cancer Foundation Kicks off Inaugural Ride to Conquer Cancer
October 22, 2008, Vancouver - Today, MLA Sindi Hawkins and Cancer Survivors Province-wide gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery with the BC Cancer Foundation to announce the kickoff of a new cycling event to raise funds for cancer research - The 2009 Ride to Conquer Cancer. Similar launch events took place today in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.
In British Columbia, The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation is a cycling fundraiser to raise money for research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency. Since one in every three Canadians will develop cancer in his or her lifetime, this pan-Canadian event is rightly viewed as a call to action.
Riders in B.C. will embark on a two-day journey starting in Vancouver and riding to Seattle, Washington. The Ride begins the morning of Saturday, June 19, 2009 in Vancouver with a moving Opening Ceremony before riders start the first leg of the course. After camping overnight, their voyage will end on Sunday afternoon in Seattle.
Nick Locke, Senior Vice President, Development at the BC Cancer Foundation, said, “I am thrilled that the BC Cancer Foundation is hosting The Ride to Conquer Cancer. It is a bold event with a bold aim – to conquer this disease once and for all. We are pleased that other cities are joining the fight and that people across the country will be able to take part in this life-changing journey,” said Locke.
Dr. Clay Smith, Physician and Senior Scientist at the BC Cancer Agency and Director of the Leukemia/BMT Program of B.C. said, “The Ride will provide my colleagues and me with much-needed funding for cancer research. My entire team of medical professionals is extremely gratified to see that this campaign is taking place across the country. The funds raised through The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation will be put to use right here at the BC Cancer Agency, but the research breakthroughs that may come as a result of this initiative could save lives around the world.”
“The Ride is fantastic because it is an event for everyone,” said Sindi Hawkins, MLA and cancer survivor. “While Vancouver to Seattle may seem like a long distance on a bike, anyone can do it and it is fantastic to see the community across the province coming together to support this event the launch of this endeavour.”
"Cancer affects each and every one of us whether it is a family member, a friend or a neighbour and The Ride to Conquer Cancer is another steop we can take towards providing funds for world-class research here in B.C.," said Premier Gordon Campbell. "I want to thank Sindi, the BC Cancer Foundation and everyone committed to this tremendous event that is sure to raise awareness about what we can all do to fight this disease. I encourage people to register and participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer."
Registration for The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation is now open. Call 1-888-771-BIKE or visit www.conquercancer.ca to sign-up today!
Established in 1935, the BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout British Columbia.
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For more information:
Kate Harbinson
Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone: 877.500.7545
E-mail: kharbinson@conquercancer.ca
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