Workout to Conquer Cancer Raises $379,000 to Power Cancer Research in BC
March 9, 2014
Found in News, Workout to Conquer Cancer
Our day-long fitness challenge at the Richmond Olympic Oval raised $379,000 to support B.C. based, world-leading research at the BC Cancer Agency.
VANCOUVER, B.C. – A meaningful workout turned into a momentous occasion to accelerate cancer research at the BC Cancer Foundation’s Workout to Conquer Cancer event on March 8th. The day-long fitness challenge at the Richmond Olympic Oval raised $379,000 to support B.C. based, world-leading research at the BC Cancer Agency.
There was something for everyone at this incredible event that featured eight Workout sessions for all fitness levels. Men and women from all over the province tested their strength during Tommy Europe’s SHRED bootcamp, kickboxed with purpose and danced to the rhythmic beat of drumming.
As a father of two, recently diagnosed with cancer, Mark Watson’s participation in Workout to Conquer Cancer was his way of being “a part of the change he wishes to see. Watson’s commitment to improving cancer outcomes inspired his colleagues at the Eaton Educational Group to form “Team Inspire” and become the number one fundraisers at the event, raising over $21,000. “I am so grateful to have the support of Team Inspire. My colleagues have rallied around me throughout my recovery and I am proud of our collective fundraising efforts,” said Watson.
Participants lunged, stretched, and sweated their way through Zumba, Fusion Kickboxing, Retro Aerobics, Yoga, Hip Hop, Rock Your Core-Barre Fitness, Afro-Brazilian Dance and Tommy Europe’s SHRED Bootcamp, celebrating research initiatives that hold the most promise to dramatically improve early detection, diagnosis and treatment for all cancers.
Douglas Nelson, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation, took a moment between Workout sessions to give thanks to participants for providing new hope to the more than 24,000 British Columbians who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. “Cause, community and camaraderie have all come together to affect widespread change, giving cancer patients and their families the courage to hope and oncologists the confidence to say cure,” he said.
Funds raised for Workout to Conquer Cancer support research initiatives, such as the work of Dr. Sam Aparicio. Recently, Dr. Aparicio and his colleagues re-classified breast cancer into 10 distinct sub-types and work is underway to improve diagnostic techniques, pinpoint genetic targets and develop more effective treatment options. “Change is happening right now in B.C. But, we can’t do it alone – research at the BC Cancer Agency is made possible thanks to our partnership with the BC Cancer Foundation and the incredible generosity of people like you,” said Aparicio speaking to event participants.
The day ended on an inspirational high, as hundreds of British Columbians celebrated the tremendous impact of the funds raised on the future of cancer care and making a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer in our province.
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Workout to Conquer Cancer is a full-day of eight upbeat group exercise classes at the Richmond Olympic Oval in support of life-saving cancer research taking place at the BC Cancer Agency. The event program includes a variety of workouts including: Zumba, Fusion Kickboxing, Hip Hop, Rock Your Core-Barre Fitness, Retro Aerobics, Yoga, Afro-Brazilian Dance, and TV fitness trainer Tommy Europe’s SHRED Bootcamp. Designed for participants of all fitness levels, Workout to Conquer Cancer is that big exhale that harnesses the power of hundreds of people who are ready to lunge, stretch, and sweat their way toward a world free from cancer! For more info, visit www.workouttoconquercancer.ca.
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.
BC Cancer Foundation
