Debbie Suter

Riding in Memory, Riding for a Cure!

Cancer has taken too many loved ones from us, and it continues to be a relentless adversary. Here in Nova Scotia, we face some of the highest cancer rates in all of Canada, with 1 in 3 patients not surviving their battle. It’s a sobering reality, but it’s one that motivates me to take action.

This year, I’m riding in the BMO Ride for Cancer not just as a participant, but as a tribute to those who fought bravely against this disease—Andrew, Luc, Andrea, Nancy and for those who are fighting, like Charles. Their strength and resilience are my driving force as I pedal on September 28, 2024, alongside a community that shares one common goal: transforming cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

Our mission is clear: faster diagnosis saves lives. The introduction of liquid biopsy technology at the QEII will be a game-changer, offering quicker and more precise ways to determine if a patient’s cancer is cured, if it has returned, and the best course of treatment. This simple blood test can be done anywhere in the province, bringing hope and answers to patients and their families without the added burden of travel.

This ride is personal for me. It’s about more than just raising funds; it’s about making a real difference in the lives of those battling cancer right here in Nova Scotia. The benefits of this technology are profound:

• Improving survival rates and providing potential cures with earlier detection and personalized treatment options;
• Unlocking access to more clinical trials, offering hope where it’s needed most;
• Sparing patients from unnecessary treatments and harmful side effects;
• Keeping care closer to home with a simple blood test available in any community in Nova Scotia;
• Reducing the number of visits to the QEII, which will help decrease wait times;
• Providing critical answers about a patient’s cancer sooner, helping to relieve anxiety and worry.

Your support means everything. By backing my ride, you’re not just supporting me—you’re joining a community committed to moving the needle in cancer care for all Nova Scotians. Together, we can create a future where fewer families have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to this disease.

Are you ready to join me in this fight? Let’s save lives together.

To learn more about liquid biopsy technology and the impact your critical donation will have, click here.