The Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge, presented by Glotman Simpson Cycling, has once again demonstrated the incredible power of community by raising a historic $800,000 for pancreatic cancer research on its 17th run. On Sunday, July 28, 2024, more than 700 riders tackled the 12 km ascent of West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain—a challenging climb with an elevation gain of 723 metres.

Despite being the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Canada, pancreatic cancer remains relatively unknown. The untimely passing of Geoffrey Glotman’s mother-in-law, Betty Ergas, from pancreatic cancer motivated him to raise awareness for this disease. Motivated by this personal loss, Geoffrey, his wife Myriam, and his colleagues at Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers dedicated their evenings and weekends to organize the inaugural Cypress Challenge. This initiative quickly became a passion project for the entire firm, united by the common purpose of defeating pancreatic cancer.

“They didn’t just embrace this idea,” says Geoffrey Glotman, Managing Principal at Glotman Simpson, about his staff. “They ran with it right beside me, turning a personal loss into a powerful movement against pancreatic cancer.”

From the inaugural event, which saw nearly 60 riders brave the climb, the challenge has grown exponentially—this year’s turnout exceeded ten times the initial number.

Achievements to Date:

The funds raised through the Cypress Challenge have been instrumental in several key initiatives:

1. Pancreatic Cancer Rapid Access Clinic: Established to streamline consultations, expedite testing, and offer genetic profiling at diagnosis, ensuring the most effective treatment options are available to patients.
2. Support for Pancreas Centre BC: Vital contributions have helped support ongoing research and patient care efforts.
3. Enhanced Screening Programs: By identifying patients at risk of developing inherited pancreatic cancer, early detection and intervention strategies are significantly improved.

Milestone Reached to Date

This year’s event achieved a record-breaking $800,000 in funds raised, pushing the total contributions since the challenge’s inception to over $5 million.

“It’s been amazing to witness the growth of the event over the years since its inception in 2008.  When my Nana was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, there was little to no hope of her recovery from this deadly disease. At the time, I don’t think I realized just how young she was. I always get a big push when I see her name at the 11th km sign near the top” notes Harrison Glotman, Principal, and third generation leader at Glotman Simpson, and also Betty’s grandson.

“Every year, Dr. Renouf, a leader in pancreatic cancer research, rides up the mountain to share the latest advancements in the field. The outcomes have truly improved for the more than 800 people diagnosed with this disease each year,” says Harrison. “Pancreatic cancer still affects many, and it’s always heartbreaking to see new teams riding in memory of loved ones they’ve lost, but this event has given them hope.”

Joining Forces – BC Cancer Foundation

The BC Cancer Foundation has always been a crucial part of our event, providing guidance and support. As the years passed, their continued and increasing involvement has helped us scale new heights, making each subsequent Cypress Challenge bigger and more impactful than the last. Yet, the spirit of that first ride—the unity, the dedication, and the shared goal of making a difference—remains the heart and soul of the Cypress Challenge.

About Pancreatic Cancer in BC

More than 800 British Columbians are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. Pancreatic cancer accounts for nearly 2% of all cancers. Early-stage pancreatic cancer is particularly difficult to detect, making events like Cypress Challenge crucial in supporting research advancements in early detection and treatment.

For more information on the Cypress Challenge and how you can support the cause, please visit www.cypresschallenge.ca.