NOTE TO EDITORS: Video and photo opportunities of Ride for Cancer participants crossing finish line today between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. at LED Roadway Lighting, 115 Chain Lake Dr., Halifax. Interview opportunities with participants, who've cycled 25, 50, 100 or 130 kilometres for cancer care, are also available.
HALIFAX, Oct. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, more than 300 cyclists will embark on an epic journey spanning 130 kilometres from Mahone Bay to Halifax – all in support of Atlantic Canadians battling cancer. Ride for Cancer, a one-day cycling event hosted in partnership by the QEII Foundation and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, announced today that 301 registered riders helped raise more than $373,966 for local cancer care.
Presenting sponsor of Ride for Cancer for the second year in a row, BMO Bank of Montreal has played an integral role in the success of the annual cycling event.
"Thanks to our Ride for Cancer participants, the QEII Health Sciences Centre will soon be home to endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) technology; a safer and less-invasive alternative to diagnosing and treating lung cancer and lymphoma," says Bill Bean, president and CEO of the QEII Foundation.
Until now, Nova Scotia was the only province in Canada that did not have EBUS technology.
"By bringing EBUS to the QEII, our riders are giving patients a more comfortable journey to face their cancer diagnosis head-on," explains Bean.
As one of the largest cycling fundraisers in the province, Ride for Cancer supports patients by funding blood cancer research and patient education and support programs through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, as well as purchasing crucial equipment for cancer treatment at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
In Atlantic Canada, more than 15,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer each year. Participants include many cancer survivors and those currently, or riding in support of those, battling the disease.
Cyclists commit to fundraise and ride one of four distance options via the Rum Runners Trail (25, 50 or 100 kilometres) or 130 kilometres via road. This one-of-a-kind cycling event, that includes both trail and road components, brings together veterans of the cycling community, recreational and rookie riders and even those participating virtually.
Powered by BMO Bank of Montreal, the South Shore event ends at LED Roadway Lighting in Halifax, where participants complete their respective journeys. The all-day finish celebration is open to the public and includes a food truck rally, live bands and entertainment.
"The overwhelming success of our second-annual Ride for Cancer is a direct result of the fierce passion and dedication of our riders, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who are transforming care and survival rates for those facing a cancer diagnosis," says Joe DiPenta, executive director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. "We're honoured to ride with our 301 participants today as we make a big impact on cancer one kilometre at a time."
To learn more about the impact of the 2016 Ride for Cancer, make a general donation or sponsor a team or participant, visit YourRideForCancer.ca.
| RIDE FOR CANCER QUICK FACTS |
|
| Total Registered Riders: |
301 |
| Participants Cycling Rum Runners Trail |
|
| 100 kilometres: |
130 |
| 50 kilometres: |
62 |
| 25 kilometres: |
44 |
| Participants Cycling Road |
|
| 130 kilometres: |
55 |
| Individuals Participating Virtually |
|
| Virtual Riders: |
10 |
SOURCE QEII FOUNDATION
Image with caption: "Ride for Cancer (CNW Group/QEII FOUNDATION)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161001_C8491_PHOTO_EN_786402.jpg
Tanya MacLean, director of communications, QEII Foundation, 902 489 5664
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