As the BC Cancer Foundation prepares for the 10th annual BC Ride to Conquer Cancer, a brand new, all-B.C. route from Vancouver to Hope brings added inspiration.
“We really like the symbolism of riding to Hope,” says Lindsay Carswell, Director of The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting BC Cancer Foundation.
Presented by Wheaton Precious Metals, The Ride is B.C.’s largest fundraiser. In 2017, close to 2,000 riders raised over $8.3 million toward a common goal: A cancer-free future.
While previous years took riders south from Vancouver to Seattle, the 10th anniversary was the perfect opportunity to bring it completely into B.C. The two-day, 200-kilometre ride departs from Vancouver Aug. 25, and includes an overnight camp in Chilliwack, where riders and volunteers will enjoy a dinner, greetings from BC Cancer Foundation and cancer survivors, music, dancing and more.
Symbolism aside, an all-B.C. Ride also makes it easier for people to participate, Carswell notes. “The new route offers a lot more opportunity for engagement and we encourage riders, volunteers and businesses throughout B.C. to get involved.”
Why ride?
“Cancer continues to touch British Columbians and we’re not alone in the impact of the disease,” says Carswell, noting that today, one in two Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetime.
“The silver lining is that we’re seeing more people living longer and healthier after treatment,” he adds.
Many of those individuals will in turn find themselves and their families participating in events like The Ride. And while there’s much inspiration and celebration, the emotional impact of the experience means “there’s often a lot of tears as well.”
• In 2017, an estimated 10,300 people died of cancer in British Columbia and 25,400 new cases were diagnosed.
• To date, the BC Ride has helped raise more than $85.3 million for BC Cancer Foundation.
• Funds raised stay in B.C. and allow BC Cancer Foundation to support breakthrough research and enhancements to care at BC Cancer. The Foundation is the province’s largest funder of cancer research and strives to reduce the incidence of cancer and the mortality rate of people with cancer, and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer.
How to get involved
• Riders will be supported by hundreds of volunteers and crew members, providing meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, portable restrooms, safety on the course, comprehensive medical services and an overnight campsite.
• This Wednesday, Jan. 24, join a special Town Hall Information Session to learn how you can get involved with B.C.’s largest fundraising event!
• To register to Ride, to volunteer or lend your support, visit www.conquercancer.ca or call the Ride Guides at 888-771-BIKE.
• Riders commit to fundraising $2,500 before the ride, but are supported with coaching and training tips; training rides; a personal webpage for fundraising and informative orientation sessions.
Learn more at ride.conquercancer.ca/vancouver/
