Did you know that approximately 1 in 2 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime and that 1 in 4 will die of the disease? With these statistics in mind, you might think: what can I do about it? How can I help? What can I do to prevent this disease from starting in the first place?
For many BC cyclists, the Ride to Conquer Cancer is the answer to these questions. It’s about doing something to raise money, find wellness, and kick cancer’s butt!
The Ride to Conquer Cancer
The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a two-day cycling and fundraising event that benefits the BC Cancer Foundation and supports leading clinicians, scientists, and researchers. It spans over 200 kilometres with participants riding from Cloverdale to Hope! This year’s event took place from August 24-25, and included the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North – a team that takes part every year, and is largely made up of Northern Health (NH) staff and health care workers!
Healthcare workers come together to fight cancer
Christine Plouffe (Dufresne) is a lab technician at the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC). This was her first year riding:
“I joined to ride for my family, friends old and new, co-workers, high-school teachers, and classmates, as well as their families who are currently fighting, who have won [or lost] their fight … with cancer. I'm riding for all of you because I can!”
Brittany Schultz, another first year rider, is a registered nurse (RN) at the BC Cancer Centre for the North:
“I joined the team to ride this year for a few reasons. The first reason is that I’ve had several family members and close friends diagnosed with cancer, some who have sadly been defeated by this horrible disease. The second reason is that over the past four years of working at BC Cancer, I’ve been nothing short of amazed by numerous patients and their families that battle cancer with tremendous courage and strength. I see them from the day of diagnosis to the end of treatment, and I’m astounded by their resilience day after day. I want to ride to raise money towards an improved future for this disease, for my friends, family and anybody else facing cancer. The third reason I will ride is for a personal challenge, and for the chance to get to know the incredible team of Wheelin' Warriors.” As for me, this year was my fourth Ride to Conquer Cancer and it was special because I got to ride with both of my parents. It was my dad’s first time riding and he loved it!
Learn more
These are just a few of the people who made up the team. To learn more about the Ride to Conquer Cancer or the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North, please visit:
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