Two organizations in Niagara are teaming up this summer and fall in the fight against breast cancer, the illness affecting thousands of women in Canada every year.
MEGABike Canada is running its annual fundraiser for Breast Cancer Canada through the end of September, with 29-person tandem bike rides taking place in municipalities across the country.
Niagara-on-the-Lake will host its ride on Aug. 10, beginning at 10 a.m. at the NOTL Community Centre.
All proceeds support breast cancer research, advocacy and education.
One of the participating teams is Sedona Care Communities, a retirement care organization with facilities in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.
Sedona staff will ride together in support of the cause, joined by staff from Pharmasave Simpson’s Pharmacy in NOTL, a longtime partner.
For Laura Byers, Sedona’s community relations director, the ride holds personal significance.
“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Byers. “I’ve always said to myself, this is something I want to stand behind. I believe in the power of progress.”
Tammy McDowell, home healthcare manager at Pharmasave Simpson’s Pharmacy, said the Sedona team reached out for help filling extra seats.
“I’m going to be joining the Sedona community team,” McDowell said. “We’re hoping to have a couple other members jump on the bike as well.”
Byers said riding a tandem bike with others is both a symbol of teamwork and support. Her team will cycle one kilometre together.
“What better way than getting on a bike?” she said. “We’re pedalling on bike, in one direction, that’s going to support breast cancer research.”
According to Breast Cancer Canada, approximately 30,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. The Canadian Cancer Society reports the disease kills 5,500 women annually.
“There’s like 50 different types of breast cancer,” Byers said. “And I don’t think a lot of people know that.”
She hopes MEGABike continues until breast cancer is eliminated.
“We hope for a future without breast cancer,” said Byers. She added, “There’s still time to donate.”
MEGABike Canada offers registration for individual riders (with a $150 fundraising minimum), half-bike teams of 14 ($2,500 minimum) or full-bike teams ($4,000 minimum).
To register a team or rider, visit megabikecanada.com and click the Niagara-on-the-Lake button under MEGABike locations.
To donate directly to Sedona Care Communities’ campaign, visit megabikecanada.com/sedona-care-community.
