Cyclists raced up a mountain in North Vancouver to raise money for pancreatic cancer research on Sunday, collecting $757,000 in the process. The hours-long ride took hundreds of Beedie Living Cypress Challenge participants up Mt. Seymour in the rain, a spokesperson for the B.C. Cancer Foundation said, describing the 12-kilometre ride as “gruelling.” The event has been happening annually since 2008, and Sunday’s funds bring its all-time fundraising total to more than $7 million. Pancreatic cancer impacts more than 800 British Columbians annually, according to a foundation spokesperson, who added that it’s one of the most fatal cancers as well. In a statement to CTV News, BCCF chief development officer Elissa Morrissette said the funds raised in this event directly support Dr. Dan Renouf’s research at Pancreas Centre B.C. As she explained, the facility is working on an AI-powered tool that identifies specific subtypes of pancreatic cancer to help doctors match patients with more personalized treatments. “They are also leading research into blood-based ‘liquid biopsies’ that could help predict treatment response and detect cancer progression more quickly and less invasively,” said Morrissette. “These are the kinds of discoveries that are helping move the field forward and creating new hope for patients and families facing this disease.” Morrissette called it “incredibly inspiring” to see so many riders rally behind the cause every year. “Every rider who takes on the climb is helping fuel research, clinical trials and innovations that are improving care today while creating hope for the future,” she added. Funds were raised by riders running campaigns on the event’s website. Cyclist Chris Armstrong led the pack, collecting $128,372.72 in support of Renouf’s research.
