Ride for Dad raises $75,000 for prostate cancer research
Annual motorcycle fundraiser drew riders on a 201-kilometre route through communities south of Ottawa. Co-founder Byron Smith reflects on 25 years of the event.
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The annual Princess Auto Ride for Dad rolled out Saturday, raising $75,000 for prostate cancer research and awareness despite early rain dampening the morning ride.
Co-founder and National Ride Captain Byron Smith explained the origins of the now-national event. "A friend of mine, Garry Janz, saw that there was a need to do something about prostate cancer. Men needed to get checked. He contacted me, and we put together a small ride — it was only going to go for one year, but there was such success, we kept doing it. Now, 25 years later, we're right across the country in 25 different cities."
The ride started and finished at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, taking motorcyclists on a 201-kilometre route through communities south of Ottawa and into the Seaway Valley, including Enniskerry, Winchester, Chesterville, North and South Dundas, Iroquois, and Kemptville.
Brent Fishman, a longtime supporter, contributed $13,691.80 this year alone, bringing his personal total to more than $100,000 over two decades. Nationally, Ride for Dad has raised over $46 million for the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation, with more than $8 million from Ottawa alone.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the third leading type of fatal cancer in men. An estimated 29,000 men will be diagnosed this year, representing 23 per cent of new cancer cases. Early detection through Digital Rectal Exams and Prostate Specific Antigen blood tests is key, with men over 40 advised to get a yearly PSA test, especially if there is family history.
The Winchester District Memorial Hospital Chemo Unit, located at 566 Louise Street in Winchester, is offering free PSA testing on September 12.