PROFILE
Ride and fight!
Riding to raise awareness and funds for cancer research
O
ne in two Atlantic Canadians are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Among over 200 different types of cancer, two tumors or diagnoses are rarely ever the same. At the QEII Health Sciences Centre, identifying the most targeted and effective treatments for cancer patients is a top priority. In effort to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research, Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal was introduced in 2015. The home-grown event, solely managed and operated by the team at the QEII Foundation, is the largest cycling fundraiser in Atlantic Canada. “The key to this event’s success is the incredible community support behind it,” says Dianne MacDonald, Development Manager, Special Events & Partnerships, QEII Foundation and Event Manager, 30
By Mina Atia
CONTRIBUTED: QEII FOUNDATION
Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal. “Cancer rates are continuing to rise and there will always be a need to raise critical funds to ensure we have the best treatment options for all Atlantic Canadians.” Ride has grown over six hundred per cent in capacity in the past six years, and it’s now annually raising ten times the amount it raised in its inaugural year. The Ride community has raised over $4.08 million to transform cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Delivering world-class care to address some of the country’s highest cancer rates, the QEII Health Sciences Centre is the largest specialized cancer care centre for Atlantic Canadians. “Ride for Cancer is a catalyst behind BUSINESS VOICE
funding new cancer fighting technology and equipment at the QEII, ensuring Nova Scotians have access to the best treatment options available right here at home,” says Margaret Chapman, Ride for Cancer Chair. “For patients and families in Nova Scotia, this means more time at home focusing on what matters most.” Ride for Cancer has quickly become Atlantic Canada’s premiere fundraising event. While most events have a shelf life, Ride continues to grow year over year with no sign of it slowing down anytime soon. “In 2020, we had a record-breaking year and surpassed our 1-million-dollar goal, raising over $1.3 million to bring breast seed brachytherapy to the QEII,” says Chapman. “And what makes Ride so unique is that all funds raised by the event stay right here in Nova Scotia to transform local cancer care.”
