The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, presented by EVRAZ, announces $6.35 million raised as 8th annual Ride commences in Alberta
August 06, 2016
Alberta's largest cycling fundraiser draws 1,402 riders and supports breakthrough cancer research, trials, care and therapy
CALGARY (August 6, 2016)—The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer presented by Evraz announced 1,402 riders helped raise $6.35 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation as the eighth annual Ride commenced in Alberta on Saturday. Funds raised through the largest cycling fundraiser in Alberta enable the Alberta Cancer Foundation to support breakthrough cancer research, clinical trials, enhanced care and the discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other centres across Alberta.
“The amazing commitment from our riders, donors, volunteers, sponsors and crew members has enabled the eighth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer presented by Evraz to be an incredible success. The $6.35 million raised will continue to help the Alberta Cancer Foundation carry out our mission to make life better for Albertans facing cancer,” said Myka Osinchuk, Chief Executive Officer at the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
“Every day 43 Albertans hear the words ‘you have cancer’. Thanks to vital funds raised by this dedicated Ride community, the Alberta Cancer Foundation can continue to support the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other centres across Alberta, bringing us next-level advances for patients and their families, while also making us one step closer to a cancer free future. The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is crucial, as it helps advance research, such as clinical trials, which have a direct impact on patients and their families, shortening recovery times and providing better, more enhanced care for all Albertans,” Osinchuk added.
In eight years, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer raised over $60 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The annual event draws thousands of participants and brings together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise for months in order to participate in the two-day, 200-kilometre Ride from Calgary to Okotoks and back.
“In 2013, my husband Jeff was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and he underwent surgery at the Cross Cancer Institute. Despite the daily pain he experienced, he always stayed positive and continued to be my inspiration,” said Arleen Frank, a third-year rider from Innisfail, Alberta.
“We were hopeful that Jeff would recover in time to participate in the 2014 Ride, but after a brave fight, he lost his battle at the end of 2013. Jeff received amazing care, right to the very end. In Jeff’s memory, I am committed to continuing to raise vital funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation so others won’t have to suffer in the future, as he had. The Ride is a wonderful challenge to take a stance against cancer, and a great way to build a community and make lifelong friends,” added Frank.
Since 2011, Enbridge has been the title sponsor of the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Collectively more than 1,700 Enbridge employees, their friends and their families have raised over $6.9 million for the Ride across Canada. Sponsorship funds donated by Enbridge allow dollars raised by Ride participants to directly support cancer programs at the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
“Our community of employees, family and friends is proud to continue our support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation year after year. This cause is personal for those of us on and off the bike and each member of our community has a connection to the disease,” said Enbridge President and CEO Al Monaco. “Team Enbridge is riding this year in honour of our friend and colleague Janet Holder, who bravely fought two battles against cancer but passed away last year. Her story reminds us that we have a lot of work ahead and illustrates the importance of what we are here to do this weekend.”
Janet was also a Ride participant and her husband donated her bike to be walked across the finish line as part of the Riderless Bike Procession. “Beating cancer once and for all will require steadfast determination from all of us. The Foundation’s work to improve the lives of those affected by cancer has already made remarkable progress and we are confident that we will continue to see great advances in the years to come,” Monaco added.
Organizers released the dates of August 12 and 13 for the 2017 Ride, and encouraged people of all athletic abilities to participate in the ninth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
"Register today at our re-registration tent, visit us online at www.conquercancer.ca or call us at (888) 624-2453,” Osinchuk concluded.
ABOUT THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION: - CLICK HERE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Kellogg
Communications Coordinator
(844) 559-6542
rkellogg@conquercancer.ca
