From the Pacific to the Atlantic, 42 cyclists Arrive in Halifax for Grand
Finale of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride
HALIFAX, Sept. 23 /CNW/ - After 15 days and more than 7,000 km, 42 cyclists arrive in Halifax today for the grand finale of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, the world's longest charitable cycling event on behalf of childhood cancer.
Their reasons were all different. For some, it was personal; maybe they or a loved one has or had cancer. For others, it was a powerful way to support kids with cancer. Regardless, the 42 cyclists are united in one cause - to raise money and awareness in the battle against childhood cancer.
Suzanne Delaney of Antigonish, NS, was the only national cyclist east of Ontario. She has raised close to $70,000 for the cause. "At the end of this journey, my physical pain will go away. Not all kids with cancer are that fortunate," she says. "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."
The national cyclists travelled across the country in a relay-style ride, joined along the way by community cyclists who rode shorter distances, all united in the goal to improve the quality of life for children and their families, living with and beyond cancer.
After dipping their wheels in the Pacific and departing White Rock, BC on September 9th, the riders will arrive in Halifax today at noon for a community celebration at the Sears Halifax Shopping Centre. There will be entertainment, refreshments, and special guest speakers including: Dene Rogers, President and CEO, Sears Canada; Paul Conrod, Chair of the IWK Health Centre Foundation; Jocelyn Vine, VP of Patient Care for the IWK Health Centre; Jeff Rushton, Founder of Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation; Mat Whynott, MLA for Hammonds Plains-Sackville; and Billy McNeil, teen ambassador living with cancer.
The cyclists will then travel to the IWK to share a moment with the kids and then head to Point Pleasant Park to ceremonially dip their wheels in the Atlantic to signal the end of the ride.
"Everyone had a special reason for participating," said Dene Rogers, President & CEO, Sears Canada, who joined in on the latest leg of the Ride beginning in New Brunswick. "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 have been able to raise awareness and money for research, treatment and support for children and their families."
The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride funds national and provincial pediatric hematology and oncology research 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.
"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 have raised $2.6 million with $1,520,000 given to the Canadian Council of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Directors (a group of hospitals known as the C17, which includes the IWK Health Centre), the national organization representing all 17 pediatric hematology/oncology programs across Canada. The balance of $1,080,000 was distributed to pediatric oncology centres across Canada to support initiatives at the local level. This year's goal is to raise $1.5 million.
"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.
For more information, 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, Consultant [email protected] 902-489-0270 |
Vincent Power, Sears Canada [email protected] |
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