MONTREAL, July 5, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Earlier this morning, Pierre Bruneau and Paul Doucet left the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at the CHU Sainte-Justine towards Mont-Tremblant accompanied by the cyclists pedaling in the Trek for Hope of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau.
This morning was also the occasion to launch the 21st edition of the event that is taking place from July 5th to 8th. In 1996, 15 cyclists took part in the Tour. Today, in 2016, it is more than 500 participants who will take part in a total of 1,600 km on 6 different treks across Quebec. This year objective is to raise 3 million dollars to finance research projects in the area of pediatric oncology. Children with cancer is a cause that touches thousands of Quebecers. The constant progression of participants and the inestimable support from personalities during the event show the importance of the cause.
Thirty-five cyclists got on their bikes this morning for the Trek for Hope's departure. This trek is certainly the most challenging one; with nearly 600 km in travelling over 4 days between Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, Gatineau, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and Boucherville. On the upcoming July 8th, participants will complete their journey by joining cyclists from all of the other 5 treks at the Parc de la Mairie de Boucherville. The total funds raised will be announced during the big arrival party.
Cancer is still the number one cause of death by decease for children in Quebec
Because of research, the curing rates of pediatric cancers went from being 30% in 1985 to being more than 80% nowadays. This is equivalent to more than 200 children that are saved every year in Quebec. Two new objectives will guide researchers: cure the 20 % of children whose cancer still resist to treatments and improve their quality of life, so they can aspire to a full recovery without complications and consequences. It is to support them in this mission that the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau continues to raise funds after 25 years of existence.
Pierre Bruneau, spokesperson for the Foundation and news anchor for TVA explains: "The spectacular progress made in medical research opens the door to a new and more personalized form of medicine which is adapted to the needs of every patient. In collaboration with the team of the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at CHU Sainte-Justine, the Foundation wants to support this new type of medicine. Precision medicine makes treatments more effective, increases chances of recovery and reduces side-effects."
Inspiring heroes
During the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, every cyclist will proudly wear, close to his heart, a pin with the picture of a child with cancer that he will have a chance to meet during the event. More than 80 children and their families are paired this year with participants. Those encounters are always high in emotions; they are a touching gesture of solidarity. Symbolically, they pedal together in order to cure cancer.
For the 2016 edition, the heroes for the Trek of Hope are 18-year-old Audrey, in remission following treatments for osteosarcoma, and 8-year-old Julymaude, in treatment for a primitive neuroectodermal tumour. Audrey is a true example of perseverance and we are proud to announce that she will be attending CEGEP next year. Julymaude just finished her second grade and has awesome summer family plans; she is going to go camping and she will be riding her quad.
About the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau
The Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau has been among the largest fundraising events in Quebec for the last 21 years. Thanks to its major partners and cyclists, the event has generated over $18 million since 1995, trekking over 20,000 kilometres.
In addition to the Trek for Hope, five other departures will be taking place in Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and Boucherville. The cyclists will have the chance to pedal alongside actress Eve Landry and journalist-host with LCN, Julie Marcoux, who will travel between Sherbrooke and Boucherville, Pierre Jobin, TVA Quebec anchor and actor Hugo Giroux, who will be leading the trek in Quebec City, and singer Luce Dufault and Alexandre Dubé, television columnist at Salut, Bonjour! Week-end will travel between Gatineau and Boucherville. Finally, Charles Bruneau's mother, Ginette Bruneau and actress Marie-Claude Sabourin will be on the 50 km Discovery Trek.
To make a donation
The public can also show its support for children with cancer and encourage cyclists by making a donation by calling 1-877-256-0404, visiting https://tourcibc.charlesbruneau.qc.ca/ or, up until July 31st, 2016, by texting TOUR at 20222.
To follow cyclists during the Tour
The public is also invited to follow our cyclists by visiting the website: charlesbruneau.qc.ca/tour-cibc and also by visiting the Foundation social media pages, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (#TourCCB) and YouTube. Videos, photos and daily summaries will be posted throughout the event.
About the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau
In the last 25 years, a sum of $50 million has been invested in research and in the construction, development and procurement of equipment for the Centre as well as three pediatric oncology units. To learn more, visit charlesbruneau.qc.ca
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tourcibc.charlesbruneau.qc.ca
SOURCE Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau
Béatrice Gougeon, Senior coordinator, Morin Public Relations, Cell. : 514-688-3936, [email protected]
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