Bluesky
X.comOn Sunday, July 27th, I am cycling in the Cypress Challenge to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research and care at BC Cancer. I am riding in honour of my colleague and mentor, Ian Neville, who unfortunately passed away on October 19, 2024 after a very hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ian was very passionate about his work, and a lot of the EV charging infrastructure we have in Vancouver is a result of Ians work and dedication. He was well-regarded in the community and well-loved by all of his colleagues at work. He is remembered for his positivity, razor-sharp sense of humor, dedication to his lovely family, and for shutting down every staff party :).
Ian was a mentor to me at work, and also for bike-related things. We spent a lot of our (work) check-ins talking about bikes. He was able to participate in the Cypress Challenge last year, while going through treatment, and so it feels very fitting for me to participate in the challenge this year.
This year, more than 800 British Columbians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Its projected that only 10 per cent (or 80 of those people diagnosed) will live five years. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect at an early stage and is often resistant to treatment. Although it is the tenth most common cancer in Canada, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death. Unless more effective treatment strategies are found, pancreatic cancer in Canada is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030.
Since 2008, Cypress Challenge has raised over $5.2 million and its thanks to the generosity of community members like you. Together, we can drive innovations in research and enhance care to benefit each person facing this disease.
With your help, BC Cancer can continue its vital work to break down this deadly disease.
Please consider making a donation.