Professional Cyclist Riding in the Prospera Valley GranFondo for Brain Cancer
July 13, 2012
Found in News
VANCOUVER, B.C –Professional cyclist, Christian Meier has teamed up with Wedgewood Cycling and the BC Cancer Foundation to support cutting-edge brain cancer treatment technology. As a part of team AutoLITT, Meier is raising funds to improve the lives of those diagnosed with brain cancer in B.C.
Meier, who recently returned from racing the Giro D’Italia, is motivated to find better treatments for brain cancer after the sudden loss of his brother, Michael Meier, three years ago.
“My brother was a young healthy guy who just woke up one morning with a headache,” explained Christian. “Six months later, with barely enough time to digest his diagnosis of brain cancer, he passed away.” Michael was six days shy of his 26th birthday.
Christian will ride in the Prospera Valley GranFondo in Michael’s memory as a supporter of the BC Cancer Foundation and the captain of Team AutoLITT. The team has a healthy goal of raising $350,000 to support a new piece of technology that promises to advance the treatment of brain tumours. The BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Centre will be the first site in Canada to treat patients with the advanced technology.
Traditionally, brain cancer therapies have been centered on three main treatment options: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. While survival rates have improved in recent years, the overall five-year survival rate is just 14 per cent. AutoLITT technology provides a new option for brain cancer treatment.
Team AutoLITT is a collaboration between Christian, the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa in Vancouver, and the Hotel sponsored Wedgewood Cycling Team to raise the necessary funds for the BC Cancer Foundation to acquire this cutting-edge brain cancer treatment technology.
“Our entire team is motivated to raise funds for this new therapeutic system that has the potential to improve options for brain cancer patients,” Christian said. “The Wedgewood Hotel & Spa has generously stepped up to match every dollar donated, and we are certain we can meet this ambitious fundraising goal.”
As a group, team AutoLITT is looking to raise $175,000 by July 21 when they will ride together in the Prospera Valley GranFondo.
To support team AutoLitt and Christian Meier’s efforts, visit Team AutoLITT.
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For additional information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Allison Colina
BC Cancer Foundation
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 604-707-5934