B.C. cancer research boosted by $11.1 million in Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer

Vancouver, June 19, 2011 – The BC Cancer Foundation announced yesterday that 2879 cyclists raised a record $11.1 million in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, to support leading research at the BC Cancer Agency.

Today between 11 am and 5 pm riders are expected to cross the finish line at Marymoor Park – 6046 West Lake Sammamish Road NE, Redmond, WA, after a journey of over 200 km that began Saturday morning in Vancouver, B.C.

As the BC Cancer Agency’s fundraising partner, the BC Cancer Foundation will invest the funds directly in breakthrough cancer research, focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients across B.C. The BC Cancer Agency is world-renowned for its model of cancer control that integrates both cancer research and patient care in a single, province-wide organization.

“For the third straight year, we have had tremendous support for the Ride in communities right across B.C.,” said BC Cancer Foundation President & CEO Douglas Nelson. “The Foundation is extremely grateful to all the volunteers, crew members, riders and their supporters. The funds we have raised will have a significant impact on cancer patients and their families throughout the province and will help bring us closer to achieving our vision of a world free from cancer.”

The Ride continues to support ground-breaking research projects at the BC Cancer Agency, such as the Pediatric Genome Sequencing Project, the ANGELYC Project for lymphoid cancers, and the BC Generations Project. The BC Cancer Foundation also helps fund the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, such as the BC Cancer Agency’s second PET/CT scanner which significantly reduces patient wait times.

BC Cancer Agency senior scientist and rider Dr. Poul Sorensen spoke to the impact of the Ride. “I feel honoured to ride alongside these inspiring and committed people. Their hard work to raise funds makes a huge impact in my research of childhood cancers — their support will make it possible to improve and extend the lives of our youngest cancer patients.”

The fourth annual Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting BC Cancer Foundation is already planned for June 16-17, 2012. Information and registration for next year is available by phone at 1-888-771-BIKE (2453), or online at www.conquercancer.ca.

The BC Cancer Foundation gratefully acknowledges event sponsors: Enbridge, SUGOI, Rockdoc, Eboost, KPMG, Norco, CTV, AM 980 CKNW, 99.3 The Fox, Classic Rock 101, Globe & Mail, Bicycling, Pedal, Mack & Jacks Brewery, New Belgium Brewing Company, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, and Fairmont Hotels.

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Media Contact
Borjana Slipicevic, Western PR Coordinator
The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer
Toll free: 1.855.500.7778