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The Ride to Conquer Cancer presented by Wheaton Precious Metals announces $8.3 million raised as 9th annual Ride commences in British Columbia

August 25, 2017

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VANCOUVER: August 26, 2017 – Over $8.3 million has been raised by nearly 2,000 riders, participating in the 9th annual Ride to Conquer Cancer, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals. The funds will enable the BC Cancer Foundation to support more than 47 world-leading projects to advance research and care at the BC Cancer Agency, providing hope to the 77,000 people facing cancer across British Columbia.

“With the growing number of people in our province undergoing cancer care this year, it’s moving to see the momentum our riders, donors, crew, volunteers, sponsors and supporters create in helping to save lives,” says Sarah Roth, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation.

“The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a movement and an agent of change, so whether you’re crossing the finish line this weekend or cheering on a loved one, know we are all on the same team, pedaling closer to a world free from cancer.”

The annual event sees thousands of cancer survivors, cyclists and supporters come together to participate in the two-day, over 200-kilometre Ride between Vancouver and Seattle. In nine years, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised over $85.3 million for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Gina Whitaker, third time Rider from West Vancouver shared why she rides: “My mother Filomena was diagnosed with extra-pulmonary small cell carcinoma in March 2015 and underwent seven rounds of palliative chemotherapy at the BC Cancer Agency.”

“After three short months of reprieve from treatment and symptoms, the cancer spread to her brain. At 60-years-young, my mom died on World Cancer Day 2016. I am riding again this year with my father and my sister on Team Fight4Fil. We’re committed to keeping my mom’s legacy alive and giving back to the teams at the BC Cancer Agency who work with patients like my mom, each and every day,” Whitaker added.

Since 2014, Wheaton Precious Metals has proudly been the presenting sponsor of the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Sponsorship funds provided by Wheaton Precious Metals enable dollars raised by Ride participants to directly support cancer programs at the BC Cancer Agency. Their team, The Silver Bullets, has participated in the event for eight years and collectively raised over $1.1 million.

“We are honoured to support the BC Cancer Foundation in their efforts to progress breakthrough cancer research and enhancements to care. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families in BC,” says Randy Smallwood, President and CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals and Captain of The Silver Bullets.

“Our commitment to cycling hundreds of kilometres and raising funds is driven by the personal connection each one of us shares with the disease. Every year, we continue to be inspired by the stories of hope and courage. Wheaton Precious Metals is a dedicated partner of the Ride and we sincerely thank the Ride community for contributing to the success of the event. We hope you will join us again in 2018 for the 10th anniversary,” Smallwood added.

New for 2018, the BC Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce an all-BC route, which will offer participants a new cycling experience and welcome first-time, local participants and partners to the 10th annual event, commemorating the milestone and looking ahead to the next decade of fundraising success. The 10th annual Ride will take place August 25 and 26, 2018 and encourages people of all athletic abilities to participate.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Allison Colina
Director, Marketing & Communications
778.855.5558 ​
allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca