Shelley Hire

Why I Ride: In Memory of Cara

This year, I am again participating in the BMO Ride for Cancer, and I ride with a deep personal motivation. On June 7, 2023, I lost my friend, Cara, to cancer.

Cara was a vibrant, loving, and courageous person who faced her battle with strength and grace. Her passing has left a profound void in my life and the lives of everyone who knew her.

Cara's journey with cancer was a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite the challenges, she remained hopeful and inspired those around her to live fully and cherish every moment. It is in her honor that I am taking on this ride, channeling my grief into something positive and impactful. The BMO Ride for Cancer was very important for Cara, making it equally important to me.

The BMO Ride for Cancer is not just an event for me; it's a tribute to Cara's memory and a way to support the fight against this relentless disease. By participating, I hope to raise awareness and funds that will contribute to cancer research and provide support for those affected by cancer.

I ride for Cara, and for everyone who has been touched by cancer. Together, we can make a difference.

Nova Scotia has the highest cancer rates in all of Canada. 1 in 3 patients will not survive. To help combat these alarming stats, our BMO Ride for Cancer community is rallying like never before to introduce liquid biopsy technology that will help determine if a patient’s cancer is cured, if it has returned, and, if so, how best to treat it.

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, I’m riding alongside a community with one common goal: transforming local cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.  

Faster diagnosis saves lives, which is why BMO Ride for Cancer is on a mission to bring rapid cancer detection and monitoring to patients who have already undergone treatment. With a simple blood test that can happen anywhere in the province, QEII experts will use this revolutionary technology to uncover whether patients are cancer-free after surgery and the earliest signs if their cancer has returned.

This technology will be a game-changer. Life-changing benefits include:

• improving survival rates and provide potential cures with earlier detection and personalized treatment options;
• unlocking access to more clinical trials;
• sparing patients from unnecessary treatments and harmful side effects;
• keeping care closer to home and ensuring equitable access, as patients can undergo a simple blood test in any community in Nova Scotia;
• reducing the number of visits required to the QEII, which ultimately impacts wait times;
• providing critical answers about a patient’s cancer sooner, helping to relieve anxiety and worry; and much more.

By supporting my ride today, you are joining a community dedicated to moving the needle in cancer care for Nova Scotians. Your support will pave the way for a future of hope for all of us.

Are you ready to save lives?

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