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Twenty-year-old Winnipegger invites city to cycle with him to mark the end of his cross-Canadian
cancer-fighting bike ride

Wes Bauer (son of Lyle Bauer, President & CEO, Winnipeg Blue Bombers) to receive official welcome at St. John’s City Hall and asks the community to join him in riding to the end of his three-month journey, Chase the Cure

ST. JOHN’S, NL – August 15, 2009 – This afternoon, at 12-noon, Wes Bauer takes his cross-Canadian campaign, Chase the Cure, to its final destination: the city of St. John’s. Wes will receive an official welcome, organized by volunteers from the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation and the City. At 12:30 p.m., Wes invites people in the community to complete his three-month cycling journey with him, by joining him with their bikes and helmets and riding with him from City Hall to Topsail Beach. Upon reaching the waters’ edge, Wes will dip his front tire in the Atlantic ocean, signifying the official end of his physical journey.  

“We are thrilled that this national ride has arrived in our province. It is heartwarming to have the support of such an event to assist our cancer patients right here at home,” says Eric Jerrett, Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation Chairman. “Our sincerest thanks go to Wes Bauer, his family and his supporters, today, as they donate a portion of the Chase the Cure proceeds to make lives better for cancer patients and their families in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Wes will be joined on his ride in by members of local cycling clubs, and will be received by cancer survivor and City Councillor, Debbie Hanlon, Mayor O’Keefe, representatives from the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, and members of the public. Participants will have an opportunity to hear how Wes’ father’s fight with cancer inspired him to begin this journey and has brought him to where he is today. The Never Alone Foundation will be giving all proceeds raised by the welcome and the events surrounding it to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Foundation for the betterment of cancer care treatment, patient support services and equipment acquisition in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“I feel privileged to be spearheading a campaign that truly allows people to make a difference for the many Canadians who are affected by cancer,” says Wes Bauer, Chase the Cure organizer. “My father’s story started this fight for me, and the many stories of the people I met along the way continued it. The ride may be over, but the fight is strengthened by the people it’s united along the way. Efforts like this heart-warming welcome in St. John’s, as well as the many other gracious welcomes the ride received, reinforce just how much the fight for a cure brings us all together.” 

The Never Alone Foundation’s mission is to help individuals and their families in the fight against cancer. It spearheads several fundraising initiatives, including: the ongoing sale of Never Alone wristbands and pins, the Never Alone luncheon, Fish for the Cure, and numerous other events that raise funds to assist with cancer education and awareness, research and patient support services.  

Chase the Cure is an initiative in support of the Never Alone Foundation. It is a cross-Canadian bike tour with Wes Bauer that started in Victoria, BC on May 14, and will end in St. John’s, NL, on August 15. The campaign’s main objective is to raise funds and awareness to help end cancer. Donations raised throughout Canada by Chase the Cure will stay in the provinces they are raised, assisting various local cancer programs and provincial foundations.  

For more information or to make a donation, go to www.chasethecure.ca. 

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To arrange an interview, please contact: 
Ashley Morgan
In-Ride Communications Coordinator
Chase the Cure
chasethecure1@gmail.com

435.773.8642