June 21, 2009 (Vancouver, BC) – BC Cancer Foundation has announced that 1,701 participants from across the Pacific Northwest raised $6.9 million in B.C.’s first Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 200 km cycling fundraiser for cancer research in British Columbia and Washington State.

Funds raised by the B.C. riders will be donated to the BC Cancer Foundation to support research at the BC Cancer Agency. Funds raised by U.S riders will be donated to the Canary Foundation to support early detection cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Since more than one in three Canadians will develop cancer in his or her lifetime, the Ride is rightly viewed as a call to action.

“This multi-day event is for people wanting to do something bold in the fight against cancer,” says Dr. Kim Chi, medical oncologist at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Centre . “Progress in research needs a sustained commitment over years to combat cancer and we are truly grateful for the support from our participants and donors.”

“The funds raised through The Ride to Conquer Cancer are allowing us to support otherwise under-funded areas of research,” says Nick Locke, Senior VP of Development at the BC Cancer Foundation and rider. “With this year’s funds the BC Cancer will support research into all types of cancer and the recent advances made by the BC Cancer Agency towards better identifying cancer sub-types, personalized treatment and the development of new therapies for patients of all ages.”

After an inspiring Opening Ceremonies at the Guildford Town Centre parking lot in Surrey, riders embarked on the first leg of their journey south across the border and into Mount Vernon where they will camp overnight. Sunday morning they will rise early to complete their ride at the University of Washington in Seattle. Family, friends, and supporters are invited to greet and cheer on the riders as they make their way to the finish line.

The second annual Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting BC Cancer Foundation is already planned for June 19 to 20, 2010. For more information about the event, or to register as a participant for next year, please contact 888.771.BIKE, or sign up online at <http://www.conquercancer.ca/>www.conquercancer.ca.

The BC Cancer Foundation gratefully acknowledges the event sponsors for their commitment to the cause: CTV, The Globe and Mail, 99.3 The Fox, CKNW, Classic Rock 101, Volkswagen, BC Ferries, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Clearly Contacts, rockdoc+. The BC Cancer Foundation would also like to thank the gracious partners of the event: Maple Ridge Chrysler, Vitaminwater, Barefoot Wine, ZipCar, Healthy Bagels, Guildford Town Centre, Norco and BCAA.