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Cyclists take ‘emotional’ ride for cancer fight – Metro US

Cyclists take ‘emotional’ ride for cancer fight

Cancer survivors and fighters rallied with their friends and families in the Ride to Conquer Cancer this past weekend.

Biking 200 kilometres, participants raised funds to support cancer research in Alberta.

Candice Barchard was one of the many riders with a yellow flag, signalling cancer survivors and current cancer fighters, waving from the back of her bike. She was diagnosed with stage three metastatic melanoma in 2006 and has been fighting it since.

“The ride is an emotional experience,” said Barchard. “Everybody wants to hear your story and share theirs.”

Along for the ride were her families and friends. Those who didn’t bike volunteered for the event. “It’s an amazing group, everyone is so supportive,” said Barchard.

Beyond raising funds for cancer research, Barchard hopes her ride will spread the message about how skin cancer can happen to anyone, at anytime.

“Through research and finding a cure, we hope no one will have to experience cancer again,” she said.

In only its second year, the Ride to Conquer Cancer involved more than 1,800 participants who raised $7.3 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

“We are so proud of each and every one of them,” said Linda Mickelson, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation.