Lakeland motorcyclists recently gathered for a motorcycle ride to raise awareness and money for research on prostate cancer in men over 40. The 300-km motorcycle ride passed through Bonnyville, Elk Point, St. Paul, La Corey, and Cold Lake, concluding at Alexander Hall. RCMP vehicles led the ride to promote prostate cancer research. The Lakeland chapter of Motorcycle Ride for Dad was established in 2015 and has raised over $156,000 to combat prostate cancer.
Since its founding in 2000, Ride For Dad and its charity, the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation, aim to save men’s lives through funding research and raising awareness about prostate cancer across Canada. The initiative has raised over $40 million in its fight against the disease.
Jan Stewart, co-chair of the Lakeland Motorcycle Ride for Dad, thanked participants, saying, “Thanks to riders like you, we’ve raised over $180,000 in just eight years. You’re all wonderful and good-looking. Thank you, Lakeland.” Stewart also shared news about prostate cancer detection, mentioning that a doctor in Edmonton has discovered a blood test that is 97% more accurate than the PSA test, and it’s accessible to Canadians now.
Old Lake Mayor Craig Copeland expressed appreciation for the event, stating, “Either we’re all dads or we know a dad. I just want to thank everybody for raising money and getting out. We’re just proud to be involved.”
Jason McCoy, national ambassador for Ride for Dad, took a break from performing at a show in Bonnyville to address participants at the Lakeland Ride for Dad ceremony and stressed the importance of early detection. “I just want to express my gratitude. My dad survived prostate cancer, and I’ve been riding in this event in Ontario for 16 years. The funds raised here benefit the local community, and research supported here has an impact across Canada and beyond.”
The top fundraisers in the 2024 Lakeland Motorcycle Ride for Dad include: Peter Lasouski raised $2,170, Jonathan Ballard raised $1,126, Melvin Hillier raised $439, Donna Gauthier raised $370, John-Paul Stuebing raised $300, and Murray Lalonde raised $251.
