Still Climbing for Pancreatic Cancer

Every year, as July approaches, Geoff Glotman anxiously anticipates Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge presented by Glotman Simpson Cycling. “Will we have enough participants? How much will we fundraise?” And each year, he is overwhelmed by the support the ride receives.

He and his wife, Myriam Glotman, started the 12-km, 723-m uphill bike climb as a fundraiser to fuel pancreatic cancer research and care in 2008 after they lost Myriam’s mom, Betty, to the disease. Unfortunately, Geoff says, he’s met many other families through the event who are looking to turn their grief into something meaningful— which is why the fundraising challenge is still going strong and has raised over $5 million in 16 years.

“It’s sad but invariably somebody out there who has been deeply affected by pancreatic cancer hears of the event and it becomes their ride that year.” As a result, support swells and any concerns that the community dedicated to improving outcomes is dwindling disappear.

Raising awareness for pancreatic cancer is important to Myriam as, despite being the 10^th most common cancer in Canada (and the fourth leading cause of cancer death), it’s largely under the radar for most people.  “I didn’t know anything about pancreatic cancer until after my mom was diagnosed,” she says.

This is in part, she believes, because, unlike other cancers, the disease leaves few survivors to advocate. With little early symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often caught in advanced stage, when its resistant to treatment. As a result, of the 800 individuals diagnosed each year in B.C. only 10% (or 80 people) will live for five years.

The Glotmans, through the Cypress Challenge, are working to change this. In its inaugural year, a handful of riders, including Geoff and Myriam, raised just around $60,000. Last year, over 600 cyclists raised more than $400,000.

Over the years these funds have helped solidify BC Cancer as leader in pancreatic research. Progress leading to more effective treatments include the discovery that the disease is many different subtypes. And while a decade ago there was just one standard test, now there are 10 different diagnostic tools available to patients. Fundraising has also helped establish Pancreas Centre BC and its Rapid Access Clinic, which is crucial to streamlining care for patients in a disease where time is of essence.

Geoff and Myriam have made the climb every year since 2008. At its peak, the event has drawn up to 800 riders. While the intensity of the challenge, which includes many participants from Vancouver-based cycling club Glotman Simpson Cycling, appeals to an elite cyclist, it welcomes all levels of riders.

“We’ve tried not to call it a race,” says Geoff. “A lot of people at the front are looking to achieve a time but the majority are riding up the hill together for a common cause.”

Leaders cross the finish line in an impressive 30 minutes, but the Glotmans prefer to hang back and enjoy the ride. “I’m there to keep to my mother’s memory alive,” says Myriam, adding, “It’s amazing how many people will pull up next to me and tell me stories about what they went through with their own mother or father or sister.”

A memorable moment for Myriam was in 2014 when she cycled alongside nine-year old Ella Latoski. Darren Latoski, Ella’s dad was a major fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research and passed away from the disease at just 44. Like her dad, Ella rose to the challenge, raising $20,000 in just one week.

“We rode to the first lookout together. She would do 10 spins of her little legs and then she would stop. She broke into tears at one point because it was just so hard for her. It was very emotional watching her do that in memory of her father.”

Geoff also recalls one of the slower participant’s tributes as being the most touching. Jack Poole (the head of the bid committee that brought the 2010 Olympics to Vancouver) passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2009.

“His wife was there and had invited a lot of people. There was a guy riding one of Jack’s old bikes, which was old and very heavy. It took him an hour and half to make the climb, but we waited and didn’t start the ceremony until he crossed the finish line.”

It’s these families, who have experienced the devasting impact of pancreatic cancer and are determined to make a difference, that keep the Cypress Challenge going, says Geoff.

He still can’t quite believe the event has surpassed the incredible $5 million milestone this year. The funds raised are necessary in that they fuel the life-saving work of BC Cancer experts who are moving the needle in this disease, he says. “I love the money. I think it’s great. But it’s the community that shows up year after year that is probably the most meaningful to me.”