The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer Announces $11.2 Million Raised as 4th Annual Ride Commences in British Columbia

June 16, 2012 (Vancouver): The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer announced 3,011 participants raised $11.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation as the fourth annual Ride commenced Saturday morning at Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino in Surrey, British Columbia. Ride participants will cycle over 200 km, across two routes between Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle, Washington with an overnight camp at Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon, WA.  Funds raised support breakthrough research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

“I am truly inspired to cycle among thousands of British Columbians who are committed to a future of a world free from cancer,” said Douglas Nelson, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation.

“This year 24,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in BC.  The BC Cancer Foundation is on a bold mission to dramatically improve the lives of those living with or diagnosed with cancer by supporting world-class research initiatives at the BC Cancer Agency. We are absolutely thrilled and beyond grateful to all our riders, donors, sponsors, volunteers, crew members, doctors and researchers who each played a role in making our fourth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer another record-breaking initiative for the BC Cancer Foundation,” he added.

In its fourth year in B.C., the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised over $11.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation. The annual event draws thousands of participants and brings together communities of survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise for months in order to participate in the annual two-day Ride.

“My husband Glen has chronic leukemia and both of his parents had cancer. We’ve been dealing with cancer for way too long in our family,” said Kelly Hobbis, a third-year Rider and captain of “Caps Westwood Cycle” of Coquitlam, British Columbia.

“For us, The Ride gives hope and promise for discovering more effective methods to both treat and cure this disease. I want my children to grow up in a cancer-free world, and that vision is shared with the BC Cancer Foundation and the BC Cancer Agency,” she added. Her husband Glen and their two daughters Chelsea and Ellecia are riding for the first time this year.

Funds raised by the 2012 Ride are put to use immediately supporting breakthrough research programs at the BC Cancer Agency such as the Personalized Medicine Project, a new approach to cancer care for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Dr. Aly Karsan, Medical Director of the Cancer Genetics Laboratory at the BC Cancer Agency, is leading the cutting-edge project.

“We are focused on developing a fast, effective test using genome sequencing technology to help choose the best treatment for patients according to their cancer’s genetic make-up,” Dr. Karsan explained.

“We believe this will lead to improved outcomes for AML patients,” he added.

In 2011, “The Ride To Conquer Cancer” became known as “The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer” when Enbridge became the National Title Sponsor.

“Enbridge and our employees across Canada are honored to contribute to the overwhelming efforts of the riders, volunteers and donors in support of the BC Cancer Foundation this weekend, and all year long,” said Janet Holder, Executive Vice President, Western Access, Enbridge Inc. who is also a cancer survivor and member of the company’s team of 17 Riders from the province.

“This initiative extends far beyond corporate citizenship for Enbridge, and like everyone here today, the cause is quite personal for many of us. Today is historic for the BC Cancer Foundation and we are humbled to support them and the valiant, life-saving work they do,” she added.

Nelson says sponsorship of all types is vital to charitable causes, and deepens the impact a particular initiative makes in the community.

“The generous contributions from all our sponsors enables more of the dollars raised to be put to use at the BC Cancer Agency, and that helps save lives right here in British Columbia. We are extremely grateful for their generous support,” Nelson added.

Moments before the start of The Ride, Nelson and event organizers addressed thousands of participants at Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino in Surrey and shared the highly anticipated fundraising and participant totals for the 2012 Ride. Organizers also released the dates and opened registration for the 2013 event, which will be held June 15-16 of next year.

“We encourage everyone to join us next year for the 2013 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer,” said Nelson.

“For more information and to register, go to www.conquercancer.ca or phone 888.771.BIKE,” Nelson concluded as thousands of Riders cheered and the 2012 Ride commenced.

Ride organizers expect hundreds of people to attend cheering stations along the route. For more details visit our events page.

– 30-

For more information, please contact:

Allison Colina, Communications Specialist
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 604-707-5934