$800,000 Raised for Pancreatic Cancer Research at 17th Annual Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge, Presented by Glotman•Simpson Cycling

 The 17^th annual Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge raised a record $800,000 to advance pancreatic cancer research at BC Cancer, with all funds benefitting the BC Cancer Foundation. Held on Sunday, July 28, this year’s event brought together a mix of over 600 seasoned and new cyclists to make the 12 km climb up Cypress Mountain to fuel the future of pancreatic treatment and care in B.C.

“It’s a privilege to ride alongside our community of cyclists who are so committed to advancing pancreatic cancer research,” says Sarah Roth, BC Cancer Foundation’s President & CEO. “Thank you to each rider, donor, volunteer and sponsor who made this year a remarkable success – your contributions are saving lives.”

Since its inception in 2008, Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge has raised more than $5.2 million toward BC Cancer’s cutting-edge pancreatic cancer research, led by Dr. Dan Renouf.

Chris Armstrong was among the riders, fundraising nearly $300,000 to honour his wife, Lone, who passed from the disease in 2023.

“I told Lone I would track her down when my time here is through. Until then, each year I will ride up Cypress Mountain in aid of Dr. Renouf’s research to find more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer,” says Chris. “Dr. Renouf is an exceptional oncologist, both in the clinic and the lab, and was our rock in the storm for almost two years.”

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of pancreatic cancer as it’s difficult to detect early and often resistant to existing treatments. Currently, the disease has a five-year survival rate of just 10%.

BC Cancer Foundation donor support makes research possible and creates tangible changes for patients.

Pancreas Centre BC – a multi-disciplinary coalition of experts from BC Cancer and VGH co-led by Dr. Renouf – was made possible through an initial investment from Bob Hager in 2011. Bob was facing pancreatic cancer and saw an opportunity to change outcomes for future patients and families. He passed just four months after his diagnosis, but his family continues his legacy of philanthropic support for the disease.

Fuelled by continued BC Cancer Foundation donor support, including from Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge, Pancreas Centre BC has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the disease, allowing researchers to develop more effective treatments and improve patient outcomes by:

• Exploring ways to boost the immune system so patients are more sensitive to immunotherapy
• Improving screening and identifying patients with genetic risk of developing pancreatic cancer for early detection
• Participating in a potentially practice-changing international study examining whether glucose management can make pancreatic cancer tumours more sensitive to chemotherapy