The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announces $5.3 million raised as 6th annual Ride commences in Montreal

Quebec's largest cycling fundraiser draws 1,468 riders and supports cancer research, treatment and care programs at Jewish General Hospital and other cancer centres across the province.

MONTREAL, July 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announced 1,468 riders helped raise $5.3 million for the Jewish General Hospital, as the sixth annual Ride commenced in Montreal on Saturday. Funds raised through Quebec's largest cycling fundraiser support life-saving cancer research, treatment and care programs at the Jewish General Hospital and other cancer centres across the province.

"We send our thanks and gratitude to the selfless, courageous community of riders, donors, volunteers and crew members who helped make our 6^thannual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer a tremendous success," said Myer Bick, President and CEO of the Jewish General Hospital Foundation.

"This year over 49,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Quebec and across the country, over 76,000 Canadians will die from the disease. The $5.3 million raised is already being used to help power a wide range of life-saving cancer research initiatives, breakthrough treatment and world-class care programs for patients right here in Montreal and across the province  at the Fondation du CHU de Québec and the Fondation régionale pour la santé de Trois-Rivières (RSTR)," Bick added.

In six years, The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised over $37 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.

"In 2012, I received the news that no parent wants to hear when my daughter Kayla was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the young age of 15," said Stephan Lambert, a second-year participant from Laval.

"Doctors told us that, 25 years ago, there was only a 20-per-cent survival rate for this disease. Thanks to the advances made in cancer research and lifesaving treatments available today, Kayla is now 17-years-old and soon to start college. I am participating in The Ride to help raise life-saving dollars that will hopefully allow future cancer patients a better chance at survival," added Lambert.

Enbridge is the title sponsor of The Ride to Conquer Cancer and since 2011, more than 1,000 Enbridge employees, their friends and families have raised more than $3.6 million for The Ride across Canada. Sponsorship funds donated by Enbridge enable more dollars raised by Ride participants to directly support cancer programs across the province.

"Enbridge is honoured to be a part of The Ride and we celebrate this remarkable success for Quebec," said Scott Dodd, Senior Project Director of Enbridge Pipelines Inc.

"Our community of employees, their friends, family and supporters are passionate and inspired to support critical advancements in cancer research and care, and we proudly support the Jewish General Hospital's efforts to help conquer this terrible disease," Dodd added.

Ride organizers released the dates of July 11^th and 12^th for the 2015 Ride, and encouraged people of all athletic abilities to participate in the 7^th annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.

"Register today at our 2015 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 routes, visit www.conquercancer.ca

ABOUT THE JEWISH GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION - CLICK HERE

MEDIA PHOTOS FROM TODAY - CLICK HERE

SOURCE: Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer

MEDIA CONTACT:
Hillary Dort
Communications Coordinator
[phone]
[email protected]