The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announces $4.9 million raised as 7th annual Ride commences in Montreal

Quebec's largest cycling fundraiser draws 1,347 riders and supports vital cancer research, treatment, care and prevention programs at the Jewish General Hospital and its partners across Quebec.

MONTREAL, July 11, 2015 /CNW/ - The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announced 1,347 riders helped raise over $4.9 million for the Jewish General Hospital, as the seventh annual Ride commenced in Montreal on Saturday. Funds raised through Quebec's largest cycling fundraiser supports vital cancer research, treatment, care and prevention programs at the Jewish General Hospital and its partners across Quebec.

"We are extremely grateful for the community of riders, sponsors, donors, crew members and volunteers who have made the seventh annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer a great success and support our mission to advance health care and medical research for the people of Quebec," said Myer Bick, President and CEO of the Jewish General Hospital Foundation.

"It is estimated that in 2015, over 50,100 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Quebec and across the country, over 78,000 Canadians will die from the disease. The Jewish General Hospital's Segal Cancer Centre is a leader in Quebec and Canada in implementing a focused and comprehensive approach to fighting cancer through a combination of medical treatment, patient care, family support and scientific research. Thanks to ongoing dollars raised through The Ride, our world-leading doctors, researchers and scientists continue to develop new technologies and advance treatment for all our patients," Bick added.

In seven years, The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer raised more than $41 million for cancer programs at the Jewish General Hospital and its partners. The annual event draws thousands of participants and brings together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise in order to participate in the two-day, 200+ km ride from Montreal to Quebec City.

"My wife was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2009 and The Ride has been my way to support her and others facing the disease," said Darren Costello, a six-time participant in Quebec.

"Participating in The Ride became a tradition for me, and a meaningful way to give back to the Jewish General Hospital, whose staff showed us so much support and compassion during two long years of treatment. Thanks to their expert care, the woman I love is cancer-free. This year marks four years post-chemo for Cat, and my sixth time finishing the Ride. I can't wait to see my healthy wife and our two little ones at the finish line," Costello added.

Enbridge has been the title sponsor of The Ride to Conquer Cancer since 2011. Collectively more than 1,700 Enbridge employees, their friends and their families have raised over $5.7 million for The Ride across Canada. Sponsorship funds provided by Enbridge allow dollars raised by Ride participants to support cancer programs at the Jewish General Hospital. 

"Cancer has touched many of our friends and family members and Enbridge is honoured to be a part of The Ride, which funds crucial cancer research and care," said Scott Dodd, Senior Projects Director of Enbridge Pipelines Inc.

"It is humbling to see so many people work together for a common cause, and Enbridge is proud to support the Jewish General Hospital and celebrate the success of the seventh annual Ride here in Quebec. Together, we are conquering this terrible disease, which touches two in five Canadians every year," Dodd added.

Ride organizers released the dates of July 9^th and 10^th for the 2016 Ride, and encouraged people of all athletic abilities to participate in the eighth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.

"Register today at our 2016 registration tent, visit us online at www.conquercancer.ca or call us at [phone]," Bick concluded.

Ride organizers expect thousands of supporters to attend public cheering stations along the route. For a map of the Ride route, visit www.conquercancer.ca

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SOURCE Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer

Chloë Hill, Communications Coordinator, [phone], [email protected]