June 07, 2014 (Toronto, ON) – The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announced 5,212 riders helped raise $20 million for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation as the 7th annual Ride commenced in Ontario on Saturday. Funds raised through Canada’s largest cycling fundraiser support Personalized Cancer Medicine at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

“The overwhelming success of our 7th annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is a direct result of this passionate and selfless community of riders, sponsors, donors, crew members and volunteers who support our mission to conquer cancer in our lifetime,” said Paul Alofs, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

“Two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer and this year, over 76,000 Canadians will die from the disease. Through the creation and implementation of the new gold standard in cancer care, the vital $20 million raised will help The Princess Margaret create and implement Personalized Cancer Medicine, which allows The Princess Margaret to detect cancers earlier, diagnose and target cancers more precisely and to provide support to patients and their families,” Alofs added.

In seven years, The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer raised over $119 million for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and over $240 million for cancer research, treatment and care programs across the country. The annual event draws thousands of participants and brings together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise in order to participate in the two_day, 200 km Ride between Toronto and Niagara Falls.

“In 2009 my dad was diagnosed with non_Hodgkins lymphoma, and in 2013, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Most recently, my uncle succumbed from multiple myeloma and amyloidosis,” said Andrea Rodriguez, a sixth-¬_year rider from Oshawa.

“I am riding in 2014 to celebrate my life as a cancer survivor, to honour my dad’s ability to conquer cancer, to remember my uncle and to fundraise for cancer research at The Princess Margaret. Unfortunately, at some point in everyone’s life, we’re all going to be affected by cancer and we need to conquer this disease before we lose more of our loved ones,” Rodriguez added.

Enbridge is the title sponsor of The Ride to Conquer Cancer and since 2011, more than 1,000 Enbridge employees, their friends and families have raised more than $3.6 million for The Ride across Canada. Sponsorship funds donated by Enbridge enable more funds to be raised by Ride participants to support cancer programs at The Princess Margaret.

“Enbridge is proud to be part of the remarkable success of this year’s Ride and we look forward to being a part of this incredible event next year,” said Glenn Beaumont, President of Enbridge Gas Distribution. “Our community of employees, their families and friends are honoured to support The Princess Margaret in their efforts to conquer cancer in our lifetime,” Beaumont added.

Ride organizers released the dates of June 6th and 7th for the 2015 Ride, and encourage people of all athletic abilities to participate in the 8th annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.

“Register today at our registration tent, visit us online at www.conquercancer.ca or call us at 877_699_BIKE,” Alofs concluded.

Ride organizers expect thousands of Ontarians to attend public cheering stations along the route. For a map of the Ride routes, visit www.conquercancer.ca