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THE RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER EXPANDS ANNUAL "GEAR UP DAY" ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
By: The 2012 Ride
People Australia Wide Registering For The Ride In Support Of Ending Cancer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(BRISBANE March 21, 2012) - The Ride To Conquer Cancer, which began in Brisbane last year, expanded its annual “Gear Up Day” to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth Wednesday by calling for cancer survivors, supporters and cyclists from these and surrounding communities to register for The Ride.
The four separate Rides, set to take place in August and October this year are each over 200km and will take participants of all ages and abilities through picturesque parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia bringing together communities of survivors, riders and supporters for one common goal: to end cancer.
“Gear Up Day is a wonderful way for Sydneysiders and members of all four Ride communities to register and support our efforts to engineer a future without cancer,” said Tim Dugan, CEO of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA, the beneficiary of The Sydney Ride.
Last year, The Ride in Brisbane helped raise $4.7 million, which went directly towards cancer research projects at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. Ride dollars there are currently being used to fund the largest ever skin cancer study in Australia to find ways of determining a person’s risk of developing melanoma, plus a separate research project to pinpoint women’s responses to chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.
“We’re thrilled to build on the success of The 2011 Ride and encourage everyone to register or donate to someone who is already registered again this year,” added Professor Frank Gannon, Director of QIMR, the beneficiary of The Brisbane Ride.
All donations raised by Ride participants go directly to the development of cancer medicines, research and care, which leads to treatments and helps save lives across Australia.
“The Ride To Conquer Cancer is something anyone can do. I encourage all those interested to register to help raise much-needed funds for Peter Mac’s research. This will make a substantial difference to the treatment and care of our cancer patients,” said Craig Bennett, CEO of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the beneficiary of the Melbourne Ride.
“Thank you to all of those who have registered so far. We have lots more work to do on cancer and we encourage everyone to register and join us for the Ride,” commented Professor Peter Klinken, Director of the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research, the beneficiary of The Perth Ride.
To register, donate, or learn more about The Ride, call 1300 33 7433 (Sydney), 1300 00 7433 (Melbourne), 1300 99 7433 (Perth), 1300 11 7433 (Brisbane), or visit http://www.conquercancer.org.au
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About The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA
The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA will transform cancer treatment for Australians in an environment thriving on discovery, research and uncompromising care. The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA will combine all facets of clinical care; surgery, medical and radiation oncology, research, integrative medicine and support services for patients, their families and carers to ensure better outcomes for everyone living with cancer. More information can be found at www.lifehouserpa.org.au
About the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer and one of an elite group of hospitals worldwide to have its own integrated cancer research program and laboratories. Peter Mac treats more cancer patients each year than any other hospital in the country and its highly skilled medical, nursing and allied health team is backed by the largest cancer research group in Australia. More information can be found at www.petermac.org
About the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research
WAIMR is dedicated to improving the health of the community it serves - across the state, nation and globe. Its research aims to uncover the genetic and environmental causes of a range of diseases. The ultimate goal is to prevent disease developing and to create improved treatments if these conditions do emerge. The WAIMR team has identified numerous genes associated with diseases such as leukaemia, diabetes, cancer (especially breast, ovarian and prostate), as well as those contributing to a number of nerve, muscle and mental health disorder. More information can be found at www.waimr.uwa.edu.au
About the Queensland Institute of Medical Research
QIMR is dedicated to translating discoveries into treatments, diagnostics and prevention strategies. One of QIMR's three research programs is cancer, which incorporates 21 of its laboratories. Cancer is a disease which leads to abnormal cell growth and eventually spreads to other parts of the body. Some cancers are common in family lineage and are clearly inherited, while others are caused by factors in the environment interacting with genetic susceptibilities. Many forms of cancer can be treated successfully if detected early. More information can be found at www.qimr.edu.au
About the Ride To Conquer Cancer
During one epic weekend, thousands of men and women will unite for a history making event. They’ll cycle over 200 kilometres in two days to raise money for cancer research, treatment and care. With one in two Australians developing cancer in their lifetime, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has become a powerful call to action for cancer patients, survivors and their supporters.
2012 events will be held in:
Brisbane 18/19 August, benefiting the Queensland Institute for Medical Research
Sydney 13/14 October, benefiting the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA
Perth 20/21 October, benefiting the West Australian Institute for Medical Research
Melbourne 27/28 October 2012, benefiting Peter Mac
The Ride begins with an Opening Ceremony on the Saturday morning and finishes on the Sunday. Thousands of Riders will cover approximately 100 kilometres each day, travelling at their own pace. Riders will be supported by hundreds of volunteers and crew members, providing meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, portable restrooms, safety on the course, comprehensive medical services and an overnight campsite complete with tents, hot showers and entertainment. For more information, visit www.conquercancer.org.au
Brian Lowe
Public Relations Manager - Australia
1300 11 7433
blowe@conquercancer.org.au
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