Friday, at Quinson Elementary, the Canadian Cancer Society announced the 23rd team of riders who will be taking part in this year’s Cops for Cancer Tour de North .
The 2024 team consists of 16 law enforcement, first responders and guest riders from all over northern B.C. The team will spend the next four months training and fundraising as they prepare to cycle 850 kilometres over seven days this September.
A partnership between the Canadian Cancer Society and emergency services personnel, Tour de North will raise funds for life-saving childhood cancer research and Camp Goodtimes, an essential program that gives families of children diagnosed with cancer the opportunity to spend time together in a stress-free and medically supervised environment.
“The Canadian Cancer Society is excited to welcome this year’s riders and begin the important training phase of Cops for Cancer Tour de North that will raise impactful funds,” said Matthew Campbell, Director, Cops for Cancer. “We know that nothing big gets solved by one person or one organization. To take on childhood cancer, it takes all of us. Together with our first responder partners, generous sponsors and donors across the province, we are changing the future of childhood cancer forever.”
Each Tour de North team member brings with them determination and enthusiasm, as well as a unique story of what led them to participate.
Sydney Steinbach with BCEHS in Fort St. James is riding this year: “Cancer sits close to my heart as I lost my best friend and glue to my entire family in less than three weeks to it. I am riding this year in honour of my family and for all who have been affected by this horrible disease.”
Last year, an estimated 1,050 children (ages 0-14) in Canada were diagnosed with cancer. As the largest charitable funder of childhood cancer research in Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society has invested $35 million toward the cause over the past decade. This investment is contributing to improved outcomes as the 5-year survival rate for childhood cancer is now 84%, an increase from 71% in the 1980s. However, 2 out of 3 children diagnosed with cancer suffering long-term or late side effects from their treatment.
“I was blown away the first time I got to go to Camp Goodtimes,” said Evelyn Tseng, a childhood cancer survivor. “At camp, we get to be kids again, play and make friends, and connect with each other. Without donors who support everything that the Canadian Cancer Society does, the fun memories I made at Camp Goodtimes wouldn’t have been possible.”
Longtime Cops for Cancer supporter Applewood Auto Group has signed on again as the presenting sponsor for all four Cops for Cancer cycling tours taking place throughout the province.
The Tour de North team will set out on Friday, September 20tbeginning in Dawson Creek and ending in Williams Lake on Thursday, September 26.
To learn more about the program or make a donation, please visit www.copsforcancer.ca or tourdenorth.ca.