The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer rallies for donations on third annual 'Epic Impact Day' across Alberta

Riders in Alberta's largest cycling fundraiser seek donations today in support of breakthrough research and discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other centers across Alberta.

CALGARY, Feb. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Thousands of Canadians are donating to The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer today as part of the event's third annual "Epic Impact Day" in Alberta. Funds raised through The Ride are put to use immediately supporting breakthrough research and discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other centers across Alberta.

"We are calling for all Canadians to identify a friend, family member or colleague who is Riding and donate to their effort today at www.conquercancer.ca or by calling (888) 624-BIKE," said Myka Osinchuk, CEO of The Alberta Cancer Foundation.

"Last year, there were more than 177,000 new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada and 75,000 Canadians passed away from the disease.  These funds are absolutely vital and are being put to use immediately supporting breakthrough research and discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other centers right here in Alberta," Osinchuk added.

The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is the largest cycling fundraiser in Alberta's history, and in 4 years raised over $30.8 million for The Alberta Cancer Foundation.  The annual event draws tens of thousands of participants across the nation and brings together communities of survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise for months in order to participate in the annual Ride.

Osinchuk says the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Cross Cancer Institute make remarkable impacts on how patients survive and live with cancer, and cites an urgent need to do more in the areas of research, treatment, care and prevention.

"We are most-grateful to everyone who is generously donating today to our Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer riders as part of this year's third annual Epic Impact Day," Osinchuk added.

Donations can be made at www.conquercancer.ca or by calling (888) 624-BIKE.

About The Alberta Cancer Foundation
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is Alberta's own. It was established to advance cancer research province-wide and to directly support Alberta's 17 cancer centres, including the Cross Cancer Institute and Tom Baker Cancer Centre. At the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we act on the knowledge that a cancer-free future is achievable and that when we get there depends on the focus and energy we put to it today.

SOURCE: Ride to Conquer Cancer

Media Contact:
Borjana Slipicevic
Communications Manager, The Ride To Conquer Cancer
778.233.9255
Toll-free: 1.855.500.7778
[email protected]