Ride for Cancer announces $579,234 raised and counting

NOTE TO EDITORS: Video and photo opportunities of Ride for Cancer participants crossing finish line today between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at LED Roadway Lighting, 115 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax. Interview opportunities with participants, who've cycled 25, 50, 100 or 130 kilometres for cancer care, are also available.

HALIFAX, Sept. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Ride for Cancer, Atlantic Canada's largest one-day fundraising cycling event, hosted in partnership by the QEII Foundation and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, announced today that more than 475 riders helped raise $579,234 net for local cancer care. And that number is still rising.

Since the event began three years ago, Ride for Cancer has raised more than $1-million.

Today, riders will embark on an epic journey spanning 130 kilometres from Mahone Bay to Halifax ? all in support of Atlantic Canadians battling cancer. Presenting sponsor of Ride for Cancer for the third year in a row, BMO Bank of Montreal has played an integral role in the success of the annual cycling event.

"Our entire Ride for Cancer community is amazing ? the riders and their networks who donated to them, our many sponsors, and volunteers have made this event a major success," says Joe DiPenta, Regional Director, Atlantic Canada and National Director of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. "Together, we are making a big impact on cancer care in our region."

Funds raised from the 2017 Ride for Cancer event will purchase advanced cancer therapy preparation equipment for the QEII Health Sciences Centre, support local blood cancer research, and fund patient and family support programs through The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.  

In Atlantic Canada, more than 15,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer each year. And approximately 50 per cent of those individuals will require some form of chemotherapy.

"By funding new cancer therapy preparation equipment at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, we are doubling capacity and shortening wait times for cancer patients," says Bill Bean, President and CEO of the QEII Foundation. "Seeing participants, many of whom are cancer survivors or currently battling the disease, pushing themselves and joining together for a cause that touches us all, is so incredibly powerful."

Cyclists commit to fundraise and ride one of five distance options via the Rum Runners Trail (25, 50 or 100 kilometres) or via road (100 or 130 kilometres). 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, Ride for Cancer participants will complete their respective journeys at LED Roadway Lighting in Halifax. The all-day finish celebration is open to the public and includes a food truck rally, live bands and entertainment.

To learn more about the impact of the 2017 Ride for Cancer, make a general donation or sponsor a team or participant, visit YourRideForCancer.ca.

SOURCE QEII Foundation