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

Riders in Canada's largest cycling fundraiser seek donations today in support of life-saving cancer research, treatment, care and Personalized Cancer Medicine at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 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 Ontario.  Funds raised through The Ride are put to use immediately supporting life-saving cancer research, treatment, care and Personalized Cancer Medicine at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.

"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 (877) 699-BIKE," said Paul Alofs, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret 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 Personalized Cancer Medicine to detect cancer earlier, diagnose cancer more precisely, target treatments more specifically and provide comprehensive physical and emotional support for all Canadians through The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre," Alofs added.

The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is the largest cycling fundraiser in Canadian history, and in 5 years raised over $80.2 million for The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.  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.

Alofs says Personalized Cancer Medicine 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 of 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," Alofs added.

Donations can be made at www.conquercancer.ca or by calling (877) 699-BIKE.

About The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre brings together an elite team of cancer researchers, scientists, clinicians and staff dedicated to the ultimate goal of conquering cancer by leveraging basic, translational and clinical research into dramatic cancer breakthroughs. For more information, go to www.campbellfamilyinstitute.ca

About The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute, have achieved an international reputation as one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is a member of University Health Network which also includes Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital. All three are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto and more information about UHN can be found at www.uhn.ca.

About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Cancer Institute. More information about The Foundation can be found at www.pmhf.ca.

SOURCE: WEWC/RTCC/UA events c/o CauseForce

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