The Ride to Conquer Cancer Announces $10.4 Million Raised as 2,642 Riders Commence the 5th Annual Ride in British Columbia
June 14, 2013
Found in News
VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Ride To Conquer Cancer announced 2642 riders helped raise $10.4 million for the BC Cancer Foundation as the fifth annual Ride commenced in British Columbia on Saturday. Funds raised through B.C.’s largest cycling fundraiser support life-saving research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency.
“We are extremely grateful to this incredible community of Riders, Crew Members, Volunteers, and their extended networks of family and supporters for helping to make our fifth annual Ride To Conquer Cancer a remarkable success for the BC Cancer Foundation,” said Douglas Nelson, President & CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation.
“In just five short years, The Ride has generated over $50 million for The BC Cancer Foundation and these funds have dramatically enhanced the world-leading cancer research initiatives taking place at the BC Cancer Agency. The impact is already being felt across the province supporting discoveries that have advanced the understanding of cancer and led to improved cancer care,” Nelson added.
Each year, The Ride draws thousands of riders, crew members, volunteers and brings together communities of survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise in order to participate in the annual two-day, 200 km Ride from Vancouver to Seattle.
“My brother Colin, a father of two, courageously faced Burkitt’s Lymphoma for almost a year before he passed away,” said Brad Burritt, a third-year participant from Chilliwack, British Columbia.
“He showed incredible courage and strength, and I never heard him complaining. Colin was always concerned for others first and in this same mindset I am part of Team Burritt. My ride is the continuation of Colins’ journey,” Burritt added.
Funds raised through The Ride are put to use immediately at the BC Cancer Agency and power world-class research programs that seek to improve prevention, early detection, and treatments.
Dr. Brad Nelson, Director of the BC Cancer Agency’s Deeley Research Centre leads an innovative research initiative that will harness the combined power of genomics and the immune system to create new, more effective cancer treatments.
With support from Ride funding, Dr. Nelson’s lab is developing immune based therapeutic vaccines to help eliminate cancer cells from the body.
“The use of genomic technologies allows us, the first time in history, to create personalized vaccines that induce potent immune responses against cancer, leading to better outcomes for our patients,” Dr. Nelson said.
Moments before the start of The Ride, Nelson and event organizers addressed thousands of participants and shared the fundraising and participant totals for the 2013 event.
Ride organizers released the dates of June 14 and June 15 for the 2014 Ride, and opened registration for the event.
“We invite everyone here today and all British Columbians to join us next year for the 6th annual Ride to Conquer Cancer,” said Nelson.
“Take a moment today to register at our re-registration tent, visit our 2014 website at www.conquercancer.ca or call us at (888) 771-BIKE,” Nelson added as thousands of Riders cheered and the 2013 Ride commenced.
Ride organizers expect thousands British Columbians to attend public cheering stations along the route.
To register, donate or request information, our events page or call (888) 771-BIKE (2453).
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The BC Cancer Foundation is the bridge that connects philanthropic support and research breakthroughs in cancer knowledge. As the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency and the largest charitable funder of cancer research in this province, we enable donors to make contributions to leading-edge research that has a direct impact on improvements to cancer care for patients in British Columbia. We fund with the goal of finding solutions. Visit www.bccancerfoundation.com to make a donation or to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.ca.
Media contact:
Ailish Steele, Senior Communications Manager
t: (855) 287-3953
e: asteele@endcancer.bc.ca
