Sunshine and warm temperatures are forecast to greet riders today for one of the biggest local fundraising events for prostate cancer research and awareness.
The Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation has been leading the drive for research and awareness for some time with the Motorcycle Ride for Dad to coincide with Father’s Day weekend.
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in men in Canada.
Honourary ride captain and VOCM Cabin Party host Brian O’Connell, who was diagnosed in 2014, says he’s living proof that timely diagnosis and advancements in treatment are making a difference.
“Oftentimes, in my case, you don’t have symptoms of prostate cancer. Some people do, but I didn’t,” he said.
O’Connell calls it the “luck of the draw” that his doctor decided to give him another blood screening test because of his father’s history of prostate cancer.
“It was nothing, and then all of a sudden my prostate was 50 per cent cancerous, and it was aggressive.”
Pre-registration for the ride took place on Friday.
Last-minute registration takes place this morning from 8:30-9:30 with the official kick-off at 10 a.m. from the Newfoundland Power building on Kenmount Road in St. John’s.