The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer announces $7.5 million raised as 5th annual Ride commences in Alberta

The largest cycling fundraiser in Albertan history draws 1,655 riders and supports breakthrough research and discovery of new cancer therapies through the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

CALGARY, Aug. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer announced 1,655 riders helped raise $7.5 million for The Alberta Cancer Foundation as the fifth annual Ride commenced in Alberta on Saturday.  Funds raised through the largest cycling fundraiser in Alberta support breakthrough research and discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other centres across the province.

"We send our thanks and gratitude to this incredible community of Riders, Crew Members, Volunteers, and their extended networks of family and supporters for making our fifth annual Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer a remarkable success," said Myka Osinchuk, Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

"This year, 16,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Alberta.  Our aim at the foundation is a cancer-free future for all Albertans.  These vital funds raised are being put to use as we speak, powering the life-saving research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other cancer centres across the province," Osinchuk added

In five years, The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer has raised over $38.3 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.  Funds raised through The Alberta Ride support more than 200 clinical trials across the province including a new provincial ocular brachytherapy program that will offer care in Alberta to patients with a rare form of eye cancer.  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 Calgary to Okotoks and back.

"I finally found out what true heartache was last May when my daughter Mckenzie was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive brain tumor," said Sarah Short, a first-year Rider from Canmore, Alberta. 

"Mckenzie was such a strong little girl who on most days, actually gave me the strength to keep me from falling to pieces. Sadly we lost Mckenzie in September last year. I spent so many nights at the oncology ward, it really gave me a lot of time to think, or should I say rethink about how I live my life. I vowed to myself that I would donate blood on a regular basis, volunteer, and participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer every year in her honor," Short added.

In 2011, "The Ride To Conquer Cancer" became known as "The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer" when Enbridge became the National Title Sponsor.

"Our Enbridge employees as well as our community of friends and family celebrate this incredible achievement the Alberta Cancer Foundation," said Al Monaco, President and CEO, Enbridge Inc. and a member of the company's 150 member ride team. 

"We offer our thanks and gratitude to the critical, world-leading cancer programs underway at The Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and the fifteen additional cancer centres across Alberta.  Enbridge supports the Alberta Cancer Foundations' mission for a cancer-free future and we share a common vision to conquer cancer," Monaco added.

Osinchuk says all sponsorships are critical components to the event's success because they help pay for the event costs.

"We are grateful to each and every sponsor for their generous support.  The incredible contributions from Enbridge and all of our sponsors enable more funds raised through The Ride to support vital cancer programs across the province," Osinchuk added.

Moments before the start of The Ride, Mayor of The City of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi addressed The Ride community.

"I want to congratulate everyone who has given their time and effort to make the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer a success this year," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

"By coming together to help your fellow Albertans by supporting local cancer research, you are showing the very best of citizenship," The Mayor added.

Event organizers also addressed participants at the start to share the fundraising and rider totals for the 2013 event and the dates of August 9 and 10 for the 2014 Ride.

"We hope everyone here today will join us next year for the sixth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer," said Osinchuk.

"Register today at our re-registration tent, visit our 2014 website at www.conquercancer.ca or call us at 888 624 BIKE," Osinchuk concluded as thousands of Riders cheered and the 2013 Ride commenced.

Ride organizers expect thousands Albertans to attend public cheering stations along the route.  For a map of the Ride routes, visit www.conquercancer.ca.

To register, donate or request information, visit www.conquercancer.ca or call (888) 624 -BIKE (2453).

ABOUT THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION:  CLICK HERE
MEDIA PHOTOS & VIDEOS FROM 2013 EVENT:  CLICK HERE

SOURCE: Ride to Conquer Cancer

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Scott, Communications Manager
1.877.500.7551
[email protected]