WINNIPEG, MB: More than 1.2 million men in Canada have prostate cancer and 80 per cent of them don’t know it. Today, the Telus Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad (MRFD) launched its 9th annual fundraising and awareness campaign.
Over 1,200 motorcycle enthusiasts will head out on the highway, Saturday, May 27, 2017, in support of prostate cancer research and education. The Telus Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad has raised over $1.5M in the past eight years with proceeds staying in Manitoba.
The Telus Motorcycle Ride for Dad is a Canada-wide fundraiser bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts, cancer survivors, community leaders and local police services. The objectives of the 2017 MRFD are to surpass the record for registered riders (1,437) set in 2014 and pledge donations (over $325,000) set last year.
Today, at the campaign kick-off event at Club Regent Event Centre, proceeds from the 2016 MRFD were presented to Dr. Sabine Mai and Dr. Julius Awe of The Genomic Centre for Prostate Cancer Research, and Jos Borsa, Chair, Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Special guests at today’s event included The Hon. Ralph Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture; Rich Lowen, Superintendent, Winnipeg Police Service; Ihor Holowczynsky, Fire & Rescue Chief, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service; Wayne Harrison, PlayNow.com, regional presenting sponsor; and Obby Khan and Gord Leclerc, MRFD Celebrity Ride Captains.
Ed Johner, prostate cancer survivor and Telus Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad spokesperson, says a simple three-minute test can save your life. “I wouldn’t be here today if I had avoided being tested,” said Johner. “That’s our message to men and their families – the best way to fight prostate cancer is with early diagnosis.”
The Telus Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad organizing committee is led by Kirk Van Alstyne and Moe Sabourin of the Winnipeg Police Association (WPA).
2017 Celebrity Ride Captains are Doug Brown & Obby Khan, Winnipeg Blue Bomber Alumni; Ami Houde, women’s motocross champion; Charlie Huddy, Assistant Coach, Winnipeg Jets; and Gord Leclerc, news anchor, CTV. The title sponsor is Telus and the regional presenting sponsor is PlayNow.com.
“All funds stay in Manitoba for prostate cancer research and education,” said Johner. “Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. It is estimated over 23,000 men in Canada will be diagnosed with the cancer in 2017.”
Dr. Sabine Mai’s team at The Genomic Centre for Prostate Cancer Research have made advances in examining circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood of prostate cancer patients. This ground-breaking research will result in more accurate and effective early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and is made possible with funds raised by the Telus Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
In conjunction with the MRFD again this year is a motorcycle raffle for a 2017 Indian Scout. Tickets can be purchased at all Windsor Plywood locations and at Headingley Sport Shop.
Register for the 2017 Telus Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad online by visiting www.ridefordad.ca/manitoba Pledge donors are encouraged to support the cause.
View videos:
Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad
The Genomic Centre for Prostate Cancer Research
Contacts:
Ed Johner, Spokesperson, MRFD: (204) 794-5602 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Moe Sabourin, Co-Chair, MRFD: (204) 228-4301 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kirk Van Alstyne, Co-Chair, MRFD: (204) 470-9913 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
