Prostate cancer afflicts one in six Canadian men. It is the leading cause of cancer related death in men, a release from the Northern Cancer Research Foundation said.
“This form of cancer is not well known,” Anna Sampson said.
She is manager of community development for the Northern Cancer Research Foundation and organizer for the 10th annual 120 km Ride For Dad event.
Motorcyclists start at the cancer foundation parking lot and then proceed to ride throughout Greater Sudbury, as far as Capreol. About $25,000 to $35,000 is raised annually from the ride, she said.
“That is why we hold events like this to not only raise money for research but to publicize the fact this disease, if diagnosed early, can be treated successfully in 95 per cent of cases.”
She advised all men over 50 years of age to be tested on a regular basis for the disease.
One rider in the Ride For Dad group was Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault. He was showing off his Honda 750 Spirit.
“I am happy to ride here because it connects me with my constituents,” Thibeault said. He said his dad has just been diagnosed with cancer and that has given him another reason to take part.
“Ride For Dad really supports regional cancer research right here at the Northern Cancer Research Foundation. That is good for all of us.”
He said his federal NDP leader, Jack Layton, had been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“He is fighting it and I am happy to say he is doing very well,” Thibeault said.
“I am doing it for the love of motorcycling,” Mark Banfich said. “It is also for a good cause.”
Sampson said the first Ride For Dad event in June 2000 was spearheaded by the Blue Knights Ontario X, a riders group consisting of retired law enforcement officers and their families.
The Blue Knights recruited other motorcycle groups such as the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers, Freedom Riders, Harley Owners Group, Souther Cruisers, Sudbury Wings as well as individual riders.
“There are six or seven of these organizations represented here today,” Sampson noted. “Over a 10 year period the ride has raised over $260,000 for prostate cancer.
For more information, visit www.ncrfsudbury.com.
