The 7th edition of IRIC Great Challenges against Cancer: "I was given a prognosis of a few months, but advances in research gave me my life back!"

MONTREAL, Sept. 7, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Dr. Robert Patenaude, cancer survivor, emergency physician and founder and spokesperson of IRIC Great Challenges against Cancer, presented by the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) at Université de Montréal and celebrating its 7^th anniversary this year, is calling all cyclists, runners and walkers to join him and his colleague researchers, cancer patients and students on a Mount Royal tour on September 10 (for cyclists) and 11 (for runners and walkers), 2016. All donations will go in full to the fight against cancer.

"I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia at a time when it was deemed incurable. I was condemned to die. I had a prognosis of a few months," explains Dr. Patenaude with great emotion. "After a meeting with Dr. Claude Perreault, who is today an investigator at IRIC, I opted for an experimental therapy, figuring I had nothing left to lose. I was lucky enough to be among the firsts to undergo a bone marrow transplant in Canada. If I'm alive today, it is thanks to advances made in research, which gave me my life back," he states whenever he talks about this crucial part of his life. 

A one-of-a-kind route on the circuit of Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal

On Saturday, September 10, experienced cyclists will take on the IRIC Ascent Challenge and cycle up on Mount Royal the equivalent of Mount Pierce (3 laps), Alpe d'Huez (5 laps) or world-renowned Mont-Ventoux (7 laps)! This is one of the most challenging cycling circuits—the very itinerary followed by the professional cyclists competing in Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal taking place over the same weekend.

Two major additions this year: a family walk and a canicross race

On Sunday, September 11, it's time for the runners and walkers to hit the circuit. The most athletic participants can discover the trails of Mount Royal on the 5K or 10K route.

Families can enjoy the IRIC Mount Royal Tour: a 5K walk in the park's beautiful woodlands. There will also be fun and educational activities for the little ones on site.

Our doggie friends—very popular these days—will continue to make headlines as they hit the trails with their masters as part of the canicross race.

Please note that for all events, the start and finish lines will be in front of the main entrance of IRIC, on the Université de Montréal campus.

IRIC Great Challenges against Cancer would like to thank its major partners: Les Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetary, Louis Garneau, and the City of Montreal. This year's edition also received great support from the following sponsors: ChewPod, Formation Vitale, Kizenju Massothérapie, Lait au Chocolat, Lassonde, McDonald's, and Union Libre.

Participation prizes will be awarded at the event, including a Louis Garneau bicycle helmet valued at $500.

From Mount Royal, IRIC Great Challenges against Cancer will move to La Mauricie National Park on September 24–25, as part of Défis du Parc.

"IRIC Great Challenges against Cancer were created to bring hope to cancer patients and their loved ones. The latest Canadian Cancer Statistics predict a 40% increase in cancer diagnosis over the next 15 years. Research thus plays a vital role in the fight against cancer, and it is up to us—patients, survivors, family caregivers, researchers, scientists, and policy makers—to support it and to contribute to its advancement," states Dr. Patenaude emphatically.

Please click here to sign up for IRIC Great Challenges against Cancer or to get more information. 

Please click here to watch Robert Patenaude's video invitation (French only) to the Great Challenges.

About the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

An ultra-modern research hub and training centre located in the heart of the Université de Montreal, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) was created in 2003 to shed light on the mechanisms of cancer and discover new, more effective therapies to counter this disease. IRIC operates according to a model that is unique in Canada. Its innovative approach to research has already led to discoveries that will, over the coming years, have a significant impact on the fight against cancer. For further information, visit www.iric.ca/en

SOURCE Institut de recherche en immunologie et en cancérologie de l'Université de Montréal

Image with caption: "Cyclists, runners and walkers are all invited to participate on a Mount Royal tour, in the 7th Edition of the IRIC Great Challenges against Cancer, presented by the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) at Université de Montréal, on September 10 (for cyclists) and 11 (for runners and walkers), 2016. All donations will go in full to the fight against cancer (CNW Group/Institut de recherche en immunologie et en cancérologie de l'Université de Montréal)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160907_C1268_PHOTO_EN_767170.jpg

For further information: and/or interview requests: Sylvie Piché, 514-343-7770, ext 41299, [email protected]; Olivier Dilain, 514-343-7283, [email protected]