Big burly motorcyclists’ help to create more awareness for prostate cancer, say organizers of the Ride for Dad event.
Organizers for the motorcycle fundraiser held a news conference on Wednesday. The summer event aims to bring more awareness to prostate cancer and early diagnosis. The three local bike clubs challenged each other to see who could bring more out to the event June 19.
Generally, more than 250 riders attend the annual event. Tere McDonald, chair of the Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad, said the turn out depended on how well the weather cooperated.
"Motorcyclists like to ride together," McDonald said. "You’ll see a lot of them travelling together on the highways in groups. This event brings that demographic together in support of something that involves the community."
McDonald said over the years, more men have started talking about prostate cancer. Traditionally, bikers were depicted as large burly men but McDonald said that is no longer the case.
"I think motorcycling is becoming mainstream," he said. "You see people from doctors and lawyers to trades people."
Last year the event raised $73,000 and a total at about $500,000 over the 10 years. McDonald said the event consistently raises about $80,000 and hoped to reach that amount this year. Proceeds go towards the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
Glenn Craig, president of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, said he’s pleased to have partnered up with a good group of people.
"We know the odds of prostate cancer are really low," Craig said. "Men need to be aware of this disease. These tough burly guys kind of make it ok for everybody to talk about prostate health."
