Prostate Cancer Research Gain Funds With Motorcycles
by Scott A. Sumner
Thunder Bay Business
The love of the ride and the fight against a deadly enemy - these are two things that unite over 300 motorcycle enthusiasts year after year. The BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad has become a Thunder Bay favourite, raising $485,000 in the past eight years. Funds support the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Every dollar raised stays in Northwestern Ontario to fund prostate cancer research, education, diagnosis and treatment.
The fight against prostate cancer in Northwestern Ontario will continue on Saturday, June 20, 2009 with the 9th annual BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad. Over 300 motorcycles will “Roar for the Cure” as the event kicks off at 9:30 am at the Keg Restaurant on 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.
Dr Heather McLean is a family doctor and primary care lead for the Regional Cancer program. “ I was asked to speak on behalf of Regional Cancer program and representing family physicians who deal with prostate cancer on a regular basis in their practices. It is the main cause of non skin cancer in men in Canada,” said Dr Heather McLean. “ It is not the leading cause of death. More than 90 % of patients are alive after 5 years. I had one man in my practice with an abnormal rectal exam but normal PSA blood test. He decided to not receive
treatment, be followed regularly and has done fine.”
“I think the event raises awareness about prostate cancer and seeking information talking to your health care provider, you family , loved ones and the men you know. It is better to understand what it entails before you have a problem,” said McLean. “ I think before you
are 50, talk to your doctor about what prostate cancer involves and over 50 you should have the examinations. If you have any symptoms with your urination, say frequent urination, up at night or a slower stream it is often very reassuring to talk about it and be tested so you know
the real status.”
Tere McDonald is the Chair for the Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dads. “ I have been a motorcyclist for many years and in the past worked for Bombardier and Can Am motorcycle. I have been a participant in this event since it started. The event is a way for the motorcycling community to raise money for the fight against prostate cancer in NW Ontario,” said Tere McDonald. “ It is a pledging event as well a poker run. There is a silent auction also. We have a breakfast and then everyone starts their bikes, all a t once- the roar for the cure. We have a parade through parts of Thunder Bay and then go on the Harbourview Expressway and switch directions to one of two routes. In the afternoon we come back for lunch and then switch directions so
everyone covers the full route. It is an all day event from 10am to 3 pm with a 1 hour lunch break. We average 75 to 80 K with 250 to 300 participants. In the last 9 years we have raised $485,000 in total and will hit over $500,000 this year.”
“I have been involved with the TBRHSC Foundation on their board, have a lot of friends who have been affected by this disease and am a motorcyclist so it is a win win situation. It is three fold program for research, equipment and awareness,” noted McDonald. “They can register
on line or come down to the Foundation office or at the Keg or Halfway Motors. You can also come down the day of the event. It is a lot of fun.”
