Cancer care in Niagara is getting a $465,000 boost from this year’s Big Move Cancer Ride, which brought more than 500 cyclists to Pelham in support of the Walker Family Cancer Centre, CHCH reported.
Hosted by the Niagara Health Foundation, the fundraiser took place Sept. 13 at White Meadows Farms. Participants chose from 75-kilometre, 50-kilometre and 25-kilometre routes, along with a 14-kilometre Fun Ride through Pelham.
The foundation says the money reflects Niagara residents’ support for local cancer services and will help patients and families access care and up-to-date equipment close to home.
The Walker Family Cancer Centre cared for more than 11,000 patients last year, according to the report. The fundraiser supports the centre where those patients receive care.
A patient’s experience close to home
For patient Chris Kavanagh, the centre’s staff and access to testing nearby were important parts of his experience. In comments included in CHCH’s report, he described feeling reassured shortly after arriving for the first time.
“Moments after my arrival at the Walker Family Cancer Centre, for the first time I sensed a calm come over me. This was followed up by the clear confidence and clarity of staff in making me absolutely aware that I was and continue to be, in good hands,” Kavanagh said in CHCH’s report.
“I grew so very thankful for the commitment to patient care with gifted people and state-of-the-art testing availability so close to home. How fortunate am I,” Kavanagh said in CHCH’s report.
Next ride planned for September 2027
This year marked the fundraiser’s 18th edition. The Niagara Health Foundation says community support continues to grow as organizers look toward the ride’s 20th anniversary in 2028.
The next Big Move Cancer Ride is scheduled for September 2027, with registration opening in February.
