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91ƵEverybody has a story91Ƶ: Okanagan Ride for Dad raises $80k for cancer research

The funds will be directed to the BC Cancer Foundation to further research at BC Cancer Kelowna
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The 2024 Motorcycle Ride for Dad is scheduled for June 9, marking its 16th anniversary. The ride starts in Kelowna and winds its way through the South Okanagan. (Photo Gary Barnes/Capital News)

The 15th year of the Motorcycle Ride for Dad saw a remarkable fundraising achievement with $80,000 raised in 2023.

Led by Bob Charron, chair of the Okanagan Chapter Ride for Dad Canada, the event spread awareness about prostate cancer screening.

Charron noted an encouraging increase in men opting for PSA screening.

91ƵWe have seen in the last two years an uptick in men finally realizing to get the PSA blood test,91Ƶ Charron stated.

Supporting the cause is Dr. Juanita Crook, professor of radiation oncology at BC Cancer Kelowna, who stressed the significance of family doctors referring men to screening.

91ƵPSA screening got a bad reputation several years ago because people with insignificant, slow-growing cancers were still having aggressive treatment,91Ƶ Dr. Crook explained.

However, she said there have been advancements in identifying which cases require treatment, and urged men to be persistent with their family doctors about getting tested.

The $80,000 donation generated by the ride will be directed to the BC Cancer Foundation to further research efforts at BC Cancer Kelowna.

Charron, whose personal connection to cancer fuels his dedication, said the theme for this year91Ƶs ride is 91ƵOne family, one fight.91Ƶ

91ƵWhether it be a family member or a personal story,91Ƶ Charron said, 91ƵI lost my father and brother to cancer, and I was a cancer patient myself.91Ƶ

Charron is now cancer-free.

The 2024 Motorcycle Ride for Dad is scheduled for June 9, marking its 16th anniversary. The ride starts in Kelowna and winds its way through the South Okanagan.

More information about the event can be found on the .

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Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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