From the Pacific to the Atlantic, 42 cyclists are participating In the Sears
National Kids Cancer Ride To Raise Money for Kids, Families
HALIFAX, Sept. 8 /CNW/ - Suzanne Delaney is one of 42 national cyclists - and the only one from Atlantic Canada - who are hitting the road September 9th as part of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride raising money and awareness in the battle against childhood cancer.
Ms. Delaney, vice principal of St. Andrew's Consolidated High School in Antigonish, NS, has raised more than $66,000 for the cause, just shy of her goal of $70,000.
"At the end of this journey, my physical pain will eventually go away. Not all kids with cancer are that fortunate," says Ms. Delaney. "The pain and scars of cancer stay with patients forever. It is through this journey that I hope and pray to be able to help these little people win the fight beyond cancer. It is time for the people who can, to make a difference in lives of people who can't."
These 42 national riders, travelling more than 7,000 km across the country in a relay-style ride, will be joined along the way by thousands of other community cyclists who will ride shorter distances, all with the goal of improving the quality of life for children and their families living with and beyond cancer.
Canadians can track the national ride and become a fan of Ben, Sears bear mascot, who is travelling with the riders and is posting daily reports on his Facebook fan page, Bens-Reports-on-Sears-National-Kids-Cancer-Ride. The site is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bens-Reports-on-Sears-National-Kids-Cancer-Ride/105812163828?ref=mf#.
"We are so grateful to everyone who is involved in this important fundraising initiative," said Robbie Shaw, President & CEO, IWK Health Centre Foundation. "Community support makes a huge difference at the IWK. The funds raised through this journey will help Maritime children and youth who are on their own journeys as they battle cancer."
After dipping their wheels in the Pacific at White Rock, BC on September 9th, the riders will be crossing the country and arriving in Halifax on September 23rd where they will ceremonially dip their wheels in the Atlantic to signal the end of the ride. The local Sears store will hold a community celebration at its store to welcome these intrepid riders at the end of their journey. The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride across Canada is the world's longest charitable cycling event on behalf of childhood cancer.
"Everyone has the same reason for participating," said Dene Rogers, President & CEO, Sears Canada. "Whether riding across the country, joining a community ride, volunteering, donating, or, as in Sears' case, sponsoring the ride, the reason for participating is the same: it's about helping kids and their families living with cancer and conducting research to increase the survival rate in the future.
"Sears is fully committed to the cause of pediatric oncology. Through the involvement of our associates and the vast network of Sears locations across the country, we're proud that we can raise awareness and money for research, treatment and support for children and their families," Mr. Rogers adds.
The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride will fund programs that improve the lives of children living with cancer as well as those recovering from the physical and emotional scars that can be part of survivorship. Money raised will be used to fund both national and provincial pediatric hematology and oncology research programs.
"As someone who works with children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment on a daily basis, it is gratifying to see so many people give of themselves to help our patients and their families," Dr. Mark Bernstein, Division Head, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, IWK Health Centre. "Ensuring they receive the best care possible is critical and we rely on support from initiatives like the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride to help these children and youth get better."
Now in its third year, the last two rides raised $2.6 million with over $1.5 million given to the Canadian Council of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Directors, the national organization representing the 17 pediatric hematology/oncology programs across Canada. The balance of over $1 million was distributed to pediatric oncology centres across Canada, including the IWK Health Centre, to support initiatives at the local level. This year's goal is to raise $1.5 million nationwide.
"Money raised is critical in helping fund programs that can improve the survival rates and the quality of life for children fighting this horrible disease," said Jeff Rushton, Founder of Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation (CTCACF), a volunteer-based registered Canadian charitable foundation focused on improving health outcomes and quality of life of children and families impacted by cancer. The Foundation develops and conducts events like the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride in communities across Canada. "With each kilometer pedaled, collectively we will enrich the quality of life of Canadian children burdened by this devastating disease. Every donation helps another child to just be able to be a kid."
Cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental death in children in Canada. Each year, about 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer. More children die of cancer each year than asthma, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and congenital anomalies combined. Childhood cancer is very different from adult cancer and places its own unique demands on our healthcare system.
For more information, to register as a rider or a volunteer, or to make a donation, visit www.SearsNationalKidsCancerRide.com or call 1.866.381.4446.
Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network of 197 corporate stores, 219 dealer stores, 31 home improvement showrooms, over 1,800 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 108 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.
For further information: Catherine Hebb, Communications Consultant, [email protected], 902-489-0270; Eliana Cugini, Sears Canada, [email protected], 416-941-4426
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