Pioneer Susan
Held by Natalie Stewart
Cypress Challenge 2023
We are back for another year! On Sunday, July 30th, we are cycling in the Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge presented by Glotman-Simpson Cycling, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research and care at BC Cancer.
As many of you know, on December of 2016 my mom Susan was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She fought valiantly for two years before passing away in February of 2019. One of my favourite memories of my mom is seeing her cheering and smiling near the finish line of the Cypress Challenge in 2017 and 2018. Now, we continue to ride in her memory as well as to support those individuals and families who are now facing similar circumstances to those we went through.
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.
We need to act now.
Since 2008, Cypress Challenge has raised over $4 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.
We would be so grateful for donations of any size to support this cause. We also love having people join the team to come and ride with us, or if cheering is more of your jam, you can head up to the top and support us as we come towards the finish line. Feeling very grateful for all of the wonderful support we have in our lives. Hope to see some of you on July 30th!
Nat, Holly, Austin & Norm