For the seventh year, the scenic roads of Niagara will be filled with inspired cyclists who have come together to support patients of the Walker Family Cancer Centre.
The Big Move Cancer Ride, happening on Sunday, September 13th, is a grown-in-Niagara, non-competitive cycling event featuring a 30km, 60km or 100km course. Since the 2009 inaugural event, over 225,000kms have been cycled by participants on ride day - the equivalent of riding around the Earth 5.6 times - and $2.5 million has been raised for equipment essential to quality patient care.
Dr. Janice Giesbrecht, NHS Medical Director of Oncology and Honorary Chair of the 2015 Ride, knows first-hand how the community’s support directly impacts patient care. “We’re privileged to be able to care for our patients at the Walker Family Cancer Centre and their strength inspires us each and every day,” says Giesbrecht. “It’s heartwarming to see so many people of all ages getting involved in the Big Move to help support the work that we do. Thanks to our ride community, we’re continuing to build the future of cancer care in Niagara for our patients.”
Mike Watt, Chair of OneFoundation Board of Directors, is excited to be riding in the event for the sixth time. “The Big Move is more than just a one-day cycling event, it’s a feeling…a movement…a challenge,” says Watt. “We’re coming together to support close-to-home cancer care at Niagara Health System for patients who are fighting their own battles with the disease. No matter what your reason for getting involved, we thank you for making a difference.”
Currently there are over 440 cyclists registered for the 2015 Ride. The first group will be departing from Club Roma at 8:15 am. In addition to the riders, the event is backed by countless sponsors, partners and over 200 volunteers who have rallied behind the Big Move to make their contribution to cancer care in Niagara.
The community is also encouraged to come out to Club Roma to cheer on riders as they cross the finish line and to enjoy lunch for a donation.
For event-day details and information on how to participate, sponsor a rider or become a volunteer, visit www.bigmovecancerride.com or call 905-323-FUND (3863).
For more information, please contact:
Elyse Howarth
Communications Specialist, OneFoundation for Niagara Health System
905-378-4647 ext. 32315
elyse.howarth@niagarahealth.on.ca
About OneFoundation for Niagara Health System
OneFoundation for Niagara Health System proudly supports all hospital sites of the Niagara Health System for the advancement of healthcare in Niagara. United under one banner, OneFoundation carries forward the legacies of Douglas Memorial Hospital Foundation, Greater Niagara General Hospital Foundation, Niagara Health System Foundation, Port Colborne Hospital Foundation, St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation, and Welland Hospital Foundation. Governed by a volunteer Board assembled from all corners of the peninsula, OneFoundation is committed to responsibly representing the community’s charitable intentions with full accountability and transparency. For more information, visit www.onefoundationfornhs.com.
