June 16, 2008 (Toronto, ON) – Thousands of people from across North America are taking part in the inaugural fundraising event, The Ride to Conquer Cancer, this June 20-22, 2008. As Canada’s newest cycling event, riders begin the two-day, 200 kilometre ride from Toronto at the Direct Energy Centre at the Canadian National Exhibition, finishing in Niagara Falls. Funds raised support breakthrough cancer research at The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at The Princess Margaret — one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world.

The ride has inspired thousands of men and women to become involved in conquering cancer in a bold way, with people representing eight provinces across Canada and 16 states from the United States.

“I am an ordinary guy, who has received extraordinary care and support from the Princess Margaret Hospital,” says Peter James Keogh, participant in the inaugural event. “I am very fortunate in that I am the first person to undergo a clinical study with Rectal Cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital. Every time I walk through their doors, I witness first-hand the passion, sincere care and attention from the doctors, nurses and volunteer staff.”

Domenic Dell’Elce, Honourary Chair of The Ride to Conquer Cancer, also knows first hand the effects of cancer. “I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 19, an age when you should be getting colds, not cancer. I am living proof that Princess Margaret Hospital is saving lives and we as a community are helping to make that difference. The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a journey I am gladly undertaking because when we make cancer history, I want to look back and know I was a part of that conquest.”

“As Canada’s largest cancer centre 100 per cent devoted to breakthrough cancer research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care, the vision at The Princess Margaret is to conquer cancer in our lifetime,” says Paul Alofs, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. “Leading cancer researchers from around the world have left their homes to work at The Princess Margaret because they passionately believe that this is where the fight against cancer will be finished.”

Swiss Chalet is the Presenting sponsor for this first-time event. Gold sponsors include Ford, Via Rail, CTV, Jack FM and the Globe and Mail. Other official event sponsors and suppliers include Resolve, IBM, EastDell Estates Winery, Steam Whistle Brewery, Sobeys and Coca-Cola.

About The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.pmhf.ca

About Princess Margaret Hospital
Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm the Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, have achieved an international reputation as one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. Princess Margaret Hospital is a member of University Health Network which also includes Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital. All three are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto and more information about UHN can be found at www.uhn.ca.

About The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital
The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital brings together an elite team of cancer researchers, scientists, clinicians and staff dedicated to the ultimate goal of conquering cancer by leveraging basic, translational and clinical research into dramatic cancer breakthroughs. For more information, go to www.campbellfamilyinstitute.ca.

For more information about the event please contact (416) 815-RIDE (7433), or visit www.conquercancer.ca.