October 23, 2009 – On Thursday in Montreal at 1:05 p.m. a group of approximately 50 cyclists, identically clad in yellow shirts, descended on the corner of Réne-Lévesque and University and, in unison, raised their bicycles over their heads for approximately 60 seconds as a crowd of onlookers watched in amazement. The group was visually conveying the “Strength in Numbers” motto of the Ride to Conquer Cancer, benefiting the Jewish General Hospital.

Similar visual statements took place today in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto at the same local time. These public displays are part of a broader launch for the 2010 Ride to Conquer Cancer. The Quebec edition of the Ride takes place next July 10 and 11, and again follows a route from Montreal to Quebec City.

The Toronto ride takes place June 12-13, 2010 and goes, once again, from Toronto to Niagara Falls. In total, since its inception in 2008, the Ride to Conquer Cancer program in various cities has raised over $40 million for cancer research across the country.

Quotes from the Montreal Event

Mr. Eric Boily – Participant in Thursday’s visual statement and registered rider for 2010, said: “I took part today because I believe that only through strength in numbers can we conquer cancer. Holding a bicycle over my head for 60 seconds was hard; riding almost 300 kilometers in the rain during the 2009 Ride was harder still. But these pale in comparison to the fight that those who are diagnosed with cancer are forced to endure. After people see today’s statement, I hope they will go to www.conquercancer.ca and register for the 2010 Ride.”

Dr. Hartley Stern – Executive Director, Jewish General Hospital:
“Today’s short but powerful group statement at the corner of René-Lévesque and University is a metaphor for the main event – together as one we can do great things. We need you to register and donate to this Ride. In its first year, it became the largest cycling fundraiser in Quebec and – with 40% of people being diagnosed with cancer sometime in their life – it is imperative that we build upon the success of 2009 in 2010.”

Alexis Gaiptman – Director of Special Events for the Jewish General Hospital Foundation:
“Today’s visual statement was powerful and we want to ensure that the 2010 event has the greatest impact possible. Anyone with a bike and a helmet can participate in the Ride. Cyclists at all levels can participate, confident that they will be fully supported the entire time during the event. It’s a first-class affair all the way.”

Quotes from the Toronto Event

Lawrence Zimmering – Participant in the visual statement and registered Rider for 2010
“I took part in this event today because I believe only with the strength of numbers will we conquer cancer. Holding a bicycle over my head for 60 seconds was hard, riding 200+ kilometers in the 2009 Ride was harder still, but these pale in comparison to the fight that those diagnosed with cancer endure. After seeing the stunt today, I hope people go to conquercancer.ca and register for the 2010 event.”

Paul Alofs – President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
“Today’s impactful group statement at the corner of Queen and Bay is a metaphor for the main event – together as one, we can do great things. We need you to register for or donate to The Ride to Conquer Cancer. From its first year (2007), this event has become the largest cycling fundraiser in Canada, and with 40% of people being diagnosed with cancer sometime during their lifetime, it is imperative that we build upon these successes in 2010.”

Dr. Jonathan Irish, Chief, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital
“The Ride is all about impact. Today’s visual statement was powerful and we need to ensure the 2010 event is as impactful as it can be. Anyone with a bike and a helmet can do the Ride. All levels of cyclists participate and are fully supported the entire time on event. It is a first class affair all the way.”

About the Segal Cancer Centre
The Segal Cancer Centre is a Quebec leader in implementing a focused and comprehensive approach to fighting cancer through medical treatment, patient care, family support and scientific research. A wide array of interrelated services are grouped in close proximity to one another, including screening and prevention, nutrition and rehabilitation, psychosocial support, symptom management, and public information. This integrated approach is considered by leading international medical experts to be one of the most effective and promising strategies in battling cancer.

Funds raised through the Ride to Conquer Cancer have applications across a wide range of cancers and includes crucial support utilized in three key areas, all of which are essential to reaching our end goal, to conquer cancer.

About the Jewish General Hospital
Now in its landmark 75th year of providing Care for All, the Jewish General Hospital has been a mainstay of superior medical treatment for many generations of patients from all backgrounds in Montreal, throughout Quebec and beyond. Drawing on its expertise and experience as one of the province’s largest and busiest acute-care hospitals, the JGH is committed to improving the level of care for all Quebecers through close collaboration with the government and its healthcare network. In this anniversary year, the Jewish General Hospital has also redoubled its commitment to ensuring that patients receive care of the highest quality in a clean, safe environment. The JGH has been able to deliver these pioneering and innovative services by strengthening its role as a McGill University teaching hospital, expanding and upgrading its facilities, and pursuing cutting-edge studies at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research. For more, please visit www.jgh.ca.