Founded in 2008 by Geoffrey and Myriam Glotman, the Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge supports BC Cancer’s world-leading pancreatic cancer research team. Unlike many other cancers, pancreatic cancer has few survivors to advocate for increased awareness and funding. The Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge has become the largest privately funded pancreatic cancer fundraising event in Canada, helping to change that reality.
This year marked a historic milestone. On Sunday, July 27th, more than 900 riders came together to participate in the 18th annual Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge, raising over $825,000—a new record for this event! Since its inception, this event has raised more than $6M, directly supporting breakthroughs in research and care. Funds from the Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge have helped to:
- Fuelling the work and Pancreas Centre BC
- Helping establish the Pancreatic Cancer Rapid Access Clinic, consolidating consults, expediting testing and performing genetic profiling
- Establishing world-leading understanding of genomic characteristics and gene mutations in pancreatic cancer patients to improve development of targeting agents
- Exploring ways to boost the immune system so patients are more sensitive to immunotherapy
- Exploring how glucose management can make pancreatic cancer tumours more sensitive to chemotherapy treatment
- Improving screening and identifying patients at risk of developing inherited pancreatic cancer
Every dollar raised is accelerating discoveries that can lead to better outcomes—and more hope—for those diagnosed with this devastating disease. Thank you to everyone who rode, donated, volunteered, and cheered. The Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge is more than a climb—it’s a collective effort to drive research forward and help save lives.
