Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad

The roar of over 300 motorcycles simultaneously starting their engines at 9:30 on a Saturday morning can mean only one thing – the fight continues. Prostate cancer in Northwestern Ontario will take another hit on Saturday, June 14, 2008 by the 8th annual BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad.

The fundraising event has become a Thunder Bay favorite, raising $413,000 in the past seven years. Funds support prostate cancer research, education, diagnosis and treatment in Northwestern Ontario. For the first time in its eight year history, the BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad will raise funds for the new Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s Northern Cancer Fund, which continues the work of the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.

“Prostate Cancer counts for 26% of total cases in men in Northwestern Ontario,” says Glenn Craig, President & CEO of the Health Sciences Foundation. “Sponsors and participants of the BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad are helping save lives by encouraging men to talk to their healthcare providers about prostate health.”

Awareness is key to avoiding prostate cancer and catching it as early as possible. Caught early, the disease is treatable. “The BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad is making a difference,” says Bernie Blake, Chair of the event. “The level of awareness of prostate cancer in our region is significantly higher now than ever before.” Proceeds helped create the awardwinning Prostate Man campaign, which brought prostate health to the forefront.

Superhero Prostate Man made an appearance at today’s media conference, encouraging attendants to “Take it like a man” and get annual prostate exams. Notably trimmer, Prostate Man credits his recent weight loss to adhering to his own recommendations. “Eat fruits and vegetables every day, be active and maintain a healthy weight,” he advises. It also helps to support initiatives like the BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad. The event includes breakfast and the “Roar for the Cure” kick start at The Keg Restaurant at 9:30 am on June 14, the day before Father’s Day. Participants then enjoy a parade down Memorial Avenue, a scenic Poker Run in and around the city and a silent auction (also at The Keg).

There are many impressive prize incentives to register early and raise high pledges, including an Executive Weekend for two at the Victoria Inn. To register for the BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad, visit www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca or call 345-HOPE. The Northern Cancer Fund of the Health Sciences Foundation raises funds that are 100% dedicated to support excellence in cancer care in Northwestern Ontario.

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