Author: Nicole Topple – Date: Friday, Sept. 20
On Friday, September 20, a group of longtime riders and dedicated partners set off on a symbolic bike ride through the streets of downtown Halifax. Behind them, the QEII Cancer Centre stood as a beacon of hope, a testament to a decade of life-changing impact on local cancer care.
The sunny September morning officially kicked off the Varian Peloton Ride; an exciting event to recognize Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company, coming onboard as a major partner for Atlantic Canada’s largest cycling fundraising event. With cancer care providers, patients and survivors in attendance, the Varian Peloton Ride also celebrated riders who have been a part of BMO Ride for Cancer since its inception in 2015 and began the official one-week countdown to the 10th-anniversary flagship event.
A NEW PARTNERSHIP AND MILESTONE CELEBRATION
The day began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the QEII Cancer Centre, commemorating past and future impact made possible by the annual cycling event. As Susan Mullin, President and CEO of the QEII Foundation, addressed the crowd, she highlighted the importance of partnerships in this mission.
“Our BMO Ride for Cancer community plays a crucial role in equipping our world-class clinicians with the equipment and technology they need to revolutionize cancer treatment and care for our loved ones,” says Susan. “None of this would be possible without our partners, who’ve stepped forward to support this event and our community.”
L-R: Some of our incredible 10-year riders; and officially setting off on the Varian Peloton Ride.
One such partner is Varian, a global leader in cancer care technologies and services.
Varian Senior Engagement Executive, Keith Sutherland, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for this new partnership, stating, “supporting BMO Ride for Cancer aligns perfectly with our mission to create a world without fear of cancer.”
As he explains, “earlier this year, we announced a 10-year multi-disciplinary oncology partnership with Nova Scotia Health to improve clinical outcomes and drive value across the healthcare system. Being a strong community partner goes hand in hand with that, which is why we’re proud to be a part of this year’s BMO Ride for Cancer event.”
Today’s Varian Peloton Ride and accompanying media event included riders donned in special edition Varian jerseys, cycling from what’s at the heart of this event: the QEII Cancer Centre. While the distance they cycled near the hospital campus is significantly less than what they will on BMO Ride day (event routes from 25km via trail to 160km via road), the meaning and intent is the same. Each rider, like most Atlantic Canadians, has been impacted by this devastating disease. Whether it’s a symbolic ride like today for the cameras or the big event on September 28, our BMO Ride participants are riding and fundraising in honour of those who have faced or are currently facing a cancer diagnosis.
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
Since 2015, BMO Ride for Cancer has raised over $10.3 million net (and counting!), impacting nearly every patient who undergoes cancer treatment and care at Atlantic Canada’s largest and most specialized cancer treatment hospital. With nearly 3,000 patients visiting the QEII Cancer Centre each week, funds raised have helped bring the most advanced, cancer-fighting technology, equipment and spaces to our region – directly and immediately benefitting those we know and love.
According to Dr. Helmut Hollenhorst, the Senior Medical Director of Nova Scotia Health’s Cancer Care Program and a speaker at Friday’s event, the longstanding support of our participants and donors means BMO Ride impacts nearly every patient’s cancer treatment journey at the QEII.
“That is just extraordinary,” says Dr. Hollenhorst, who shared a long list of BMO Ride and QEII Foundation supported projects that are improving cancer care and outcomes for Atlantic Canadian families.
L-R: Patient and first-time rider, Jennifer Gouchie-Terris, shares her story with event attendees; and the official ribbon cutting with our engagement chair, Catherine Campbell, and Susan Mullin.
This year’s BMO Ride for Cancer is funding groundbreaking liquid biopsy technology, allowing for earlier diagnosis of cancer recurrence. This non-invasive blood test will help determine if a patient’s cancer is cured after surgery, if it has returned, and, if so, how best to treat it. With our BMO Ride for Cancer event just eight days away, our community is laser focused on bringing this innovative project to the finish line.
Every BMO Ride for Cancer participant, partner and supporter plays a pivotal role in continuing to build and foster a QEII centre of excellence in cancer care. With Varian’s new partnership amplifying the event’s impact, along with the longstanding support of our title partner BMO, we are ready to ride for the thousands of cancer patients and their families who are counting on us.
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The one-week countdown to the 10th annual BMO Ride for Cancer is officially here! Click here to make a donation to a rider or team now and help transform local cancer care here at home.
Proudly hosted by the QEII Foundation, BMO Ride for Cancer is the #5 peer-to-peer cycling event in Canada.
