Foundation staff, PMH doctors and researchers and Ride participants addressed hundreds of attendees citing the life-saving research, treatment and care at The Princess Margaret resulting from Ride-funding while several 5-Year Riders received inaugural Gold Helmets.

Newswise — (TORONTO, May 10, 2012) – The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation today unveiled a historic monument to commemorate the 5th Annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer in front of The Campbell Family Building at The Princess Margaret. Foundation executives, PMH doctors and researchers and veteran Ride participants addressed hundreds of attendees citing an impressive $62.1 million raised by The Ride in its four-year history.

“Today we honour those whose selfless and generous commitments through the past four years have helped make The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer the largest cycling fundraiser in Canada,” said Paul Alofs, President & CEO of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. “This monument is our way of thanking everyone involved while commemorating this year’s 5th Annual Ride” he added.

In addition to the monument dedication and unveiling, Alofs was joined by Steve Merker, Chief Cycling Officer, in presenting five Riders with inaugural Gold Helmets for this year’s Ride. The helmets signify the community of Riders who have each participated in The Ride since the inaugural event in 2008.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive a Gold Helmet for this year’s Ride,” said Chinyere Eni who rides on a modified bike because she lost a limb to cancer as a young child. “For the last four years, I’ve taken this incredible journey because it’s a way for me to remember my nine friends who succumbed to the disease while fighting beside me. I’m thrilled to make this year my 5th”, Eni added.

Funds raised by The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer are used for research, clinical enhancements and survivorship programs at The Princess Margaret, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. Funds raised through this year’s event will contribute to The Foundation’s recently announced Billion Dollar Challenge, which will create and implement Personalized Cancer Medicine at The Princess Margaret.

In 2011, Enbridge became the national title sponsor of The Ride, making it “The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer,” and similar events will take place this summer in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec. Paul Green, Director of Public & Government Affairs at Enbridge Gas Distribution, addressed attendees, citing the company’s national commitment to The Ride and full support across Canada.

“Enbridge is proud to be part of this momentous occasion as we honour everyone who has generously volunteered their time in making The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer a great success,” said Guy Jarvis, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. “We’re proud to help The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in its efforts to conquer cancer in our lifetime through the commitment of volunteers, researchers and the entire community.”

After the presentation and monument unveiling, members of the media and attendees toured The Princess Margaret.

This year’s Ride will take place June 9-10 and participants will cycle over 200k through Toronto and the Ontario countryside. For more information, visit www.conquercancer.ca or call 877.699.2453.

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About Princess Margaret HospitalPrincess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, have achieved an international reputation as global leaders in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. Princess Margaret Hospital, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world, is a member of the University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. All are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto. More information about UHN can be found at www.uhn.ca.

About The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital brings together an elite team of cancer researchers, scientists, clinicians and staff dedicated to the ultimate goal of conquering cancer by leveraging basic, translational and clinical research into dramatic cancer breakthroughs. For more information, go to www.campbellfamilyinstitute.ca About The Princess Margaret Hospital FoundationThe Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation raises funds for Personalized Cancer Medicine at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about The Foundation can be found at www.pmhf.ca.