Gearing up for 2010 Big Move

The Big Move Cancer Ride cyclists enjoy the scenic route through the rolling country roads of the Niagara peninsula.

History was made on Sunday, September, 20, 2009, when 235 riders took to the scenic roads of Niagara to raise money for the Walker Family Cancer Centre. The cyclists came with many goals. Some were honouring the memory of a loved one who fought a battle with cancer, some came to simply enjoy a day of cycling, and others participated as a personal challenge to cross the finish line.

John Suk, Team Nycomed Canada Inc., explains his motivation to participate in the Big Move Cancer Ride.

“I chose to ride and lead a team because we have waited so long for our new cancer centre,” he said. “This facility is so important, not only for the physical health of cancer patients, but for the social and economic health of our region. I have a close friend who just lost his battle with cancer; he was an inspiration and his memory makes all of us realize that cancer treatment facilities are needed, close to home.”

John was the top individual fundraiser with an outstanding total of $12,570.

With the support and generosity of local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, family, friends and co-workers, the inaugural Big Move Cancer Ride was an overwhelming success, raising $278,000 for the Walker Family Cancer Centre.

NHS’s Oncology Program provides inpatient and outpatient services for the residents of the Niagara region diagnosed with a malignant disease, including consultation, diagnostic procedures, education, support, chemotherapy treatment and follow-up care for the vast majority of cancer patients. However, patients requiring radiation treatment must travel outside of the region for care.

The Oncology Program will evolve to a full-service cancer centre when the Walker Family Cancer Centre opens in 2013. This cancer centre will be the hub of a coordinated regional cancer treatment network for Niagara, serving more than 1,200 Niagara residents diagnosed with cancer each year. This means that 95% of Niagara cancer patients will be able to receive their chemotherapy and radiation treatment at the Walker Family Cancer Centre, allowing them to make this challenging personal journey here in Niagara. This Centre of Excellence for cancer care will also attract new medical specialists, technicians and other medical professionals to the region.

Due to the great success of the inaugural event, the Big Move Cancer Ride Committee is pleased to announce the 2nd annual Big Move Cancer Ride will take place Sunday, September 12th, 2010.

This non-competitive ride includes a 50-kilometre and 100-kilometre cycle through Niagara region starting and ending at Club Roma in St. Catharines. The route quickly escapes urban St. Catharines, bringing cyclists to the top of the escarpment while following the rolling country roads through the scenic farm lands of the southern part of the Niagara Peninsula. The route includes frequent rest stops with refreshments, snacks and restrooms. After the ride, cyclists and friends are invited to go back to Club Roma for a hot buffet lunch, massage, medical care and entertainment.

Be a part of this history-making event in Niagara! Individuals or teams are welcome to participate! The registration fee, which includes a cycling jersey, lunch and refreshments, is $50 with a minimum pledge commitment of $500.

“As a member of the Big Move Ride Committee, I am truly inspired by the generosity of the Niagara community to support the future Walker Family Cancer Centre,” says Sandra Sabo, Chief Operating Officer of the St. Catharines Hospital  Foundation.

“The funds raised from this event and future cycling events will move us one step closer to bringing comprehensive cancer treatment closer to home, here in Niagara.”

Registration for the 2010 Big Move opens in January;  visit bigmovecancerride.com for further details.  «