It makes sense people want to know where their money is going when they donate it. And for that reason the findings of a study released last week on cancer research funding make sense. The authors argue cancers with higher survival rates get more money than cancers that kill more people. In other words, if you survived breast cancer, you are likely to support breast cancer research.
So how does this tie into Ride the Rideau?
Well, in my opinion, this makes a great case for supporting this event. Not only does the money raised stay in Ottawa, but it helps fund research that benefits a number of types of cancer.
For example, last year Ride the Rideau helped raise funds for the Centre for Innovative Cancer Research. Last fall I had a chance to tour this amazing facility and talk to staff who work there. They are doing some great work led by the likes of Dr. John Bell. The video below really outlines some of the amazing talent on his team. And it seems only a matter of time before their work helps cancer patients around the world.
This year the money raised will go to help develop personalized treatments for cancer patients and support clinical trials at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. The hope is these project will benefit patients suffering from a number of different cancers including: lung, breast, colon, and brain.
In my opinion that is a pretty impressive and wide reaching impact for a single bike ride.