Our History
In 2001, an enthusiastic team of women and men came together with a simple but powerful idea: to organize a motorcycle fundraising ride in support of breast cancer. As we shared our stories, we realized how deeply breast cancer had touched our lives—grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives, brothers, and friends. It was closer than we thought.
What began as one small idea blossomed into an event that continues to make a lasting impact on the health of our province. Over twenty-four years, the Manitoba motorcycling community has raised $1.5 million towards breast cancer in Manitoba. Most of these funds came through small donations of $5, $10, and $20—proving that every dollar truly adds up.
We are proud to be able to choose the projects that we fund. In the first two years we raised enough to partner with The Guardian Angels in purchasing a mobile mammography unit. The "Sofie" mobile units travelled across the province making testing more accessible. We have purchased two vans to transport the units. We have supported the Breast Cancer Screening Clinic and The Centre of Hope. We purchased a Molecular Imager ChemiDoc XRS system for researchers at CancerCare. It uses a super sensitive camera to view molecules within cells to allow scientists to identify specific proteins and genetic material. A Consultation Recording Service that allowed patients to take a recording home of their important meetings with their health care team. We funded clinical trails that enhance patient care which allows early access to treatments and drugs. We strive to fund projects that make a difference in the lives of Manitobans today and tomorrow.
The Breast Cancer Pledge Ride is a non-profit motorcycle riding enthusiast charity organization that raises funds for the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. The organization sells merchandise, receives donations, raffles items, and hosts events throughout Manitoba—with 100% of proceeds going directly to CancerCare Manitoba.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the motorcycle enthusiasts, volunteers, and supporters who make this ride possible. Without YOU, none of this would have been achieved.
Join the Cause! Support Today!
EVERY RIDE TELLS A STORY
DID YOU KNOW...
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Every year, 900 women in Manitoba are diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly, about 200 will die from the disease.
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Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Manitoba females.
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Your risk of developing breast cancer is higher if you have a family history.
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Only 10% of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer.
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8 out of 10 breast cancers occur in women age 50 or older.
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Research shows that regular mammograms reduce deaths by 20–30% in women aged 50–74.
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Why? Because cancers found early often mean more treatment options and better outcomes.
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People aged 45 and over may have a screening mammogram every 2 years.
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Anyone can develop breast cancer.
Everyone has breast tissue — men included. Men have less, but are still at risk.
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If you have had breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing a second breast cancer.
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Hormones play a role. Breast tissue is exposed to estrogen and progesterone.
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Women have higher levels, which increases risk. Estrogen especially can encourage the growth of certain breast cancers.
📌Sources: CancerCare Manitoba and The Canadian Cancer Society
MAKING EVERY KM COUNT
THANKS TO DONORS LIKE YOU, the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride has supported projects at CancerCare Manitoba Foundation making a difference in the lives of patients across our province.
These projects include:
Clinical Trials at CancerCare Manitoba. A clinical trial is research involving people. The knowledge gained at a clinical trial benefits 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.
A Consultation Recording Service that allows patients to take home a recording of the conversation they had with their health care team.
The purchase of a Molecular Imager ChemiDoc XRS System for researchers at CancerCare. It uses a supersensitive camera, for viewing molecules within cells. It allows scientists to look closer at breast cancer tumours identifying specific proteins and genetic material.
Research projects such as understanding and exploiting tumour interactions. Dr. Michael Mowat studies how anticancer drugs affect both normal and tumour cells, resulting in adverse side effects. Another project is breast abnormality detection in remote communities.
“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.
Your efforts also made a direct impact by supporting CancerCare Manitoba’s Breast & Gyne Cancer Centre of Hope (a resource centre); the Breast Check Screening Program, the Guardian Angel Caring Room wig program and patient education material.
Funds supported upgrades to the mobile mammography units in addition to the purchase in 2010 of a new cargo van to transport the mobile mammography units across the province. This program enables more women access to breast cancer screening.
We are proud to say all funds raised stay in Manitoba at CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.