Most people in British Columbia have been impacted by cancer in one way or another. Either by knowing a friend or family member who has been diagnosed, or, being the one who has been diagnosed. However, with increased awareness, screening and research into new treatments, the possibility of better life outcomes is possible, but funding this research is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Last year, eight friends and cyclists from the qathet region began a fundraising campaign to support BC Cancer Foundation, and cancer research in BC. So far the outpouring of support from the community has gone beyond the group's expectations.
"As a team, we have fundraised over $33,000 and we are doing a last-minute push to get to $35,000," said organizer and cyclist Mary Payne. "We are eight local riders, Tour de Friends, and we are riding for Tour de Cure, on August 24 and 25, riding 100 kilometres each day, from Cloverdale to Hope."
The one or two day ride, depending on a rider’s skill level, usually draws up to 2,000 riders and volunteers who raise funds that go toward cancer research. Participants ride together from either Chilliwack to Hope or Cloverdale to Hope.
"The eight of us were all friends, of course, teachers, retired teachers, nurses working in the oncology department," said Payne. "For [those who work in oncology], it's close to their hearts."
All of the eight cyclists have been mountain biking in the qathet region for years, but road biking is a fairly new undertaking for many in the Tour de Friends group. Payne was the main instigator for the group to join Tour de Cure, due to a personal loss.
"I lost my sister to cancer when she was 62 years old," said Payne. "I sort of said, that if I live to 62, I'm going to do this ride."
Payne is now 64. While she was at a tailgate after a day of mountain biking last year, she asked if anyone would join her in August for the 200-kilometre ride. The group of mostly women said yes.
The eight cyclists will join thousands of other riders on August 24 in Cloverdale and cycle 100 kilometres to Chilliwack, then camp out for the night. Day two will be another 100 kilometres to Hope.
Although the group has raised funds well over its original goal of $10,000, the members want to keep going.
"We want to be champions, because all of us have been touched in one way or another by someone [who has cancer] or we've lost someone through cancer," said Payne. "This is our way of remembering the people we've lost and the families who are suffering."
Payne said the group is grateful to all the businesses that have supported Tour de Friends as sponsors for their Tour de Cure ride and fundraising efforts.
"We are a small group in a small community,” said Payne. “We are so grateful to the community and for the amount of money we've raised in less than a year.”
Money raised by the group, according to Payne, is for BC Cancer Foundation and will support leading clinicians, scientists and researchers who search for new discoveries and improved patient outcomes.
On Thursday, August 8, a special bike ride is taking place, with all proceeds going to the Tour de Cure cancer fundraising team: Tour de Friends. In association with qathet Regional Cycling Association (QRCA), the ride called qathet Five'r will begin, across from Powell River Farmers' Market on Padgett Road at 6 pm.
To donate to the Tour de Friends, go to tourdecure.ca/team/1737/81/. To find out how to join the bike ride, go to tawsbikegarage.com/qathet-fiver/.
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