A 3,000‑kilometre cancer support ride to PEI will pass through Moncton this week.
Five cyclists taking part in the Ride for Cancer Support: Pedal to PEI are travelling from Toronto to Charlottetown to raise money for free cancer programs offered across the country.
The group will visit Wellspring Bannon House in Moncton, where staff plan to welcome the riders as they continue their route east.
Jacqueline Bloom, director of cancer support at Wellspring, says ongoing fundraising is crucial because of the financial strain many families face after a cancer diagnosis.
“We need to continue fundraising because there’s such a financial burden when someone’s diagnosed with cancer, and they’re having to leave work if they’re working, and the cost associated with that is huge,” Bloom said.
Bloom says cancer touches almost every family and the number of new cases remains high.
“Everyone knows someone living with cancer, and currently 700 people a day are being diagnosed with cancer,” she said.
“So anything we can do to support that community, we’re here to do that.”
The ride aims to raise $500,000 to help fund its free, professional‑led programs.
The cyclists are expected to arrive at Wellspring Bannon House closer to 3 p.m. on Thursday
