Proceeds
All the money
raised stays in Manitoba and goes to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
We are proud that we are able to direct the funds into projects we
choose from CancerCare Manitoba’s wish list. We have supported many
projects that have made a difference in the health of Manitoban’s.
Mammograms help in the early detection of breast cancer. We helped
purchase the 3rd mobile breast cancer screening mammography unit (Sophie)
in Manitoba. The mobile units are transported across the province
from Churchill to Emerson. This enables women from across the province
better access to mammography screening. They are also used at cultural
centres to help educate and screen immigrant women who may not be
familiar with breast cancer screening. We have also purchased a van
to transport the mobile units throughout Manitoba. We have also supported
upgrades to the mobile mammography units.
Manitoba Breast
Cancer Screening program received new educational and office equipment.
This helps them reach more women, raise awareness and promote the
mobile units coming to communities.
Waterproof self
examination shower cards were purchased to hand out to women to assist
them in performing self examinations - something that is vital in
the early detection of breast cancer.
We have purchased
wigs for the wig program at CancerCare Manitoba. This program is especially
needed for women who have lost some or all of their hair due to cancer
treatments.
The 2008 ride
made it possible to purchase a camera called a Molecular Imager ChemiDoc
XRS System for CancerCare Manitoba. It is the most sensitive imaging
machine, using a supersensitive camera for viewing molecules within
cells. It allows scientists to look closer at breast cancer tumours
identifying specific proteins and genetic material. This imaging system
is essential to CancerCare Manitoba and is used everyday.
With the proceeds
from the 2009 ride we were able to support clinical trials at CancerCare
Manitoba. A Clinical trial is research involving people.
The knowledge
gained at a clinical trial will benefit Manitobans by: enhancing patient
care; provide early access to new cancer therapies and make new drugs
available that are not yet commercially available, or make available
some newer commercially available drugs whose cost is not yet covered.
People take part in clinical trials to feel better or live longer,
knowing that they are also helping other people now and in the future.
A trial allows them to gain access to the newest types of treatment
and to be the first to benefit from a new treatment while giving clinicians
further knowledge and experience from clinical trials.
If a treatment
proves effective in a study, it may become the new standard treatment
that can help many patients. Because of progress made through clinical
trials, many people treated for cancer are now living longer and have
a better quality of life.
“The road to
better health is paved with clinical research. It’s behind every pill,
vaccine, diagnostic image, surgical procedure and medical treatment.
Clinical research contributes to health care that’s based on real
evidence, and it’s fundamental to keep improving our health care system.”
Pamela Normandin, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Office of Research,
Iowa Lutheran Hospital.
