Dear Friends and Family,

It's that time of year again!  First of all, I should say thank you again to those who sponsored my ride last year and gave so generously to the cause.  Collectively, 1,687 riders raised $7.1 millions dollars for the BC Cancer Agency.  It was an incredible experience and I am excited to participate again this year!  

I am one of the lucky ones. After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, I was quickly reassured that with appropriate treatment my prognosis was very good. Essentially, my cancer had a cure. Three years after my diagnosis I am cancer free and extremely grateful, because I know this is not a typical cancer story. Unfortunately, we still don’t have a cure for many types of cancers. Over 45% of men and 40% of women will develop cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 Canadians will die of cancer. If cancer hasn’t affected you or your family yet, it likely will. Read those numbers again – they are huge.

On August 26th I will be participating in The Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 2 day cycling journey that spans over 200km from Vancouver to Seattle. The ride will benefit BC Cancer Foundation and support leading clinicians, scientists, and researchers whose search for new discoveries and improved patient outcomes will have a real impact in our communities throughout the province, across Canada, and around the world.  Once again, I will be doing this ride alongside my sister Leona, and my cousin Miller who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2015.  

Cancer has affected the lives of those around me too many times, as I am sure it has yours. I want to do my part to ensure that more people living with cancer have happy endings like I did. I hope that the money that I raise for cancer research will help make the lives of those with this horrible disease better, and potentially help discover new and effective treatments.

Here is where you come in.

I need help raising money to hit my fundraising goal of $2,500. Anything you may be able to donate is greatly appreciated, and no amount is too small. Together we can support and provide hope to the people who are fighting cancer and the families who love them. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for your support :) 

Alana