Motorcyclists will parade through Langford Sunday morning with the message that prostate cancer isnB次元官网网址檛 a sissy disease.
Organizers expect thousands of riders to take part in the fourth annual Vancouver Island Motorcycle Ride For Dad, an event to raise money for prostate cancer research and bring awareness to the importance of annual prostate exams for men.
B次元官网网址淗aving motorcycle riders do this, it gives the message that if tough guys are out there promoting it, then a husband at home doesnB次元官网网址檛 need to be ashamed of getting a simple test,B次元官网网址� explained Pat Cassels, chair of the rideB次元官网网址檚 Vancouver Island chapter.
Like many, Cassels has been personally affected by prostate cancer. B次元官网网址淢y two closest friends died of it,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲e grew up together, we used to be like the three musketeers, so that really hits home.B次元官网网址�
But prostate cancer doesnB次元官网网址檛 have to be a death sentence. Many men who take part in the ride every year are survivors living normal lives, thanks to early detection.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e got an 80 year-old who rides with us, youB次元官网网址檇 never know he had cancer,B次元官网网址� Cassels said.
Mike Storrier lost his grandfather to prostate cancer. Even through he doesnB次元官网网址檛 ride a motorcycle, he takes part in the event as a volunteer co-ordinator, and after the ride, will continue the awareness campaign organizing talks for schools and service groups.
B次元官网网址淥ur mandate of awareness goes throughout the year, itB次元官网网址檚 not just the ride,B次元官网网址� Storrier said. B次元官网网址淭his is a curable disease if people are aware and know to get checked for it.B次元官网网址�
The Ride for Dad leaves Eagle Ridge community centre May 15 at 10 a.m. sharp. Participants can register the day of beginning at 7 a.m.
The parade will run from the Eagle Ridge to VeteranB次元官网网址檚 Memorial Parkway and north to Western Speedway.
From there, riders will head toward the Trans-Canada Highway for a poker run through the Cowichan Valley to Duncan and back. Closing ceremonies will be held at the Eagle Ridge at 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.motorcycleridefordad.org.
news@goldstreamgazette.com
