FAQ

Frequently
Asked Questions

1.     What is Cancervive’s purpose?

Cancervive provides fundraising and support for local cancer survivorship programs. The main benefactor is Wellspring Calgary -  a local community support centre for cancer patients and their families, which opened its new facility in June 2009.  We have also supported Wellspring Centres in Edmonton and Toronto in the past few years.
 

Cancervive has three major components in their organization: Cancervive Peloton Project (CPP, previously called CTAPP), Warrior Program and Cancervive Challenge Program.

The Cancervive Peloton Project (CPP) is the flagship event of Cancervive for awareness and ambassadorship and is entering its eight year.  This event consists of thirty (30) cyclists embarking on a 9-day, 4000km odyssey, riding relay style from Calgary to a city in the US.  In 2012, the Peloton will be riding from Calgary to  Maine to participate in the Dempsey Challenge in October 2012.

The Warrior Program is supported by the Cancervive Peloton Project by flying Cancer Warriors – those currently in their battle – to Lewiston, Maine to participate in the Dempsey Challenge event. The purpose for this is to give the Warriors a reprieve from their treatment and, at the same time, deliver some hope and inspiration. A reinforced mind is the most powerful tool in the battle against cancer.

Cancervive delivers cancer survivor support through its Cancervive Challenge Program. In this program riders (anyone is welcome to participate in this program) will fundraise and train for a trip to Lewiston, Maine to participate in the one-day Dempsey Challenge event. The purpose for this is to give the warriors an achievable goal that will help them regain control over cancer; and for anyone else to be able to participate and support Cancervive in a manageable way.  The fundraising commitment is a lot less for the Challenge Ride program than for the Peloton Program.

The Peloton Project, the Cancervive Challenge Program and all the Cancervive Warriors will meet in Lewiston, Maine to participate together in the Dempsey Challenge weekend.

Support for Cancervive is through sponsorship, donations and participation in our fundraising events including:

• 8^th Annual Cancervive Gala – Thursday September 13, 2012

• Braveheart Golf Tournaments (Calgary and Grande Prairie) – June 4 and 8, 2012

We also provide assistance for individuals who want to organize and run their own individual third party fundraising events.

2.    Where does my donation go?

One hundred percent (100%) of all donations benefit cancer survivors and people who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Over the past seven years, Cancervive contributed more than $1,300,000 to Wellspring Calgary. Wellspring has established seven facilities in Ontario and opened in Calgary in March 2007, moving to its new facility in June 2009.  Wellspring Edmonton hopes to open their doors in 2012. Participants of the Cancervive Challenge and Peloton Project can also designate funds donated on their behalf to be directed to their own local Wellspring Centre, if applicable.

3.     Does my donation stay in Canada?

Yes.  Wellspring is a network of cancer centres across Canada.  Riders can raise funds in support of their local centre.  This year riders are supporting Wellspring centres in Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto.

4.     Who pays for the expenses of the Cancervive events such as the Gala, Golf tournament, Cancervive Challenge Program and the Cancervive Peloton Project?

Corporate sponsors, participant entry fees and auction items provide all the funds to cover the costs of our fundraising efforts. We would encourage everyone to support these sponsors, as they are the driving force behind Cancervive's success.

5.     What is Cancervive’s connection to the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF)?

Inspired by Lance Armstrong, Cancervive supports the cancer survivorship goals of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and raises funds to support cancer survivorship in Canada. In order to get a tax-deductible charitable receipt accepted by Revenue Canada, Cancervive funds need to stay in Canada.  All the donations to Wellspring Calgary are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

Cancervive supports the cancer survivorship goals of the LAF, with 100% of the donated funds going to cancer survivorship in Canada. Cancervive does contribute some entry fee money to the Lance Armstrong Foundation for CPP riders and Challenge Riders participating in the LIVESTRONG™ event in Austin. This money comes from corporate sponsors. No donated funds leave Canada.
 

For the past 7 years, Cancervive has always organized their ride around the LIVESTRONG™ weekend.

6.     Why the change to the Dempsey Challenge for 2012?

Cancervive decided to change the destination for 2012 and picked the Dempsey Challenge in Lewiston, Maine as their destination city for 2012.  The Dempsey Challenge weekend is very similar to a LIVESTRONG™ weekend and will be having their 4th annual event in October 2012.  Cancervive is very excited about the new destination and route.  For more information on the Dempsey Challenge, please visit www.dempseychallenge.org

7.     What is the Cancervive Challenge Program?

The Cancervive Challenge Program was introduced in 2010 and grew from the need to focus more effort on helping those dealing with cancer to establish their “new normal” life. It will involve achievable amounts of training, fundraising and most importantly teamwork with the focus of participating in the Dempsey Challenge event in Lewiston, Maine in October 2012.

Just like any major trauma, the key to getting through the rough times and out the other side is to have something to focus on. Not only will this event provide this focus, participants will also benefit from the positive effects of exercise and teamwork.

We encourage anyone interested in the Challenge Ride to join this program - it is not just for cancer warriors but for anyone who would like to support Cancervive and be a part of our big family!

8.     What is Cancervive’s connection to the Peloton Project?

The Cancervive Peloton Project (CPP) is one of many projects undertaken by Cancervive. An annual relay-style group ride from Calgary, the project culminates with its participation at the Dempsey Challenge event in Maine.

The Cancervive Challenge and the Cancervive Peloton Project are two distinct programs of Cancervive, however all participants will work together and participate together at the Dempsey Challenge in Maine.

9.     What is the Cancervive Warrior Program?

Cancervive launched the Warrior program in 2005 when the organization flew a person who was undergoing cancer treatment to Austin, Texas, to participate in the charity ride hosted by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

This reprieve from the stresses of cancer treatment, along with the ability to participate in an event with other cancer survivors, was a very uplifting experience for our first Warrior in 2005. In 2006, Cancervive expanded this program to include 17 Warriors. The Warrior Program is an important part of the Peloton Project. We are hoping to bring 30 warriors to Maine this year.  Since the beginning, Cancervive has had 135 warriors, with the youngest being only 2 years old and the oldest 83.
 

10.     What is a LIVESTRONG™ Event?

There are three annual LIVESTRONG™ events throughout the United States (Davis California, Philadelphia and Austin). The events grew from the Ride for the Roses, which the Lance Armstrong Foundation hosted in Austin, Texas. A gathering of thousands of people who are undergoing cancer treatment, living with and through cancer, and dedicated to everyone affected by cancer, these events consist of a bike ride of varying distances as well as a run and walk event. For more details please visit: www.livestrong.org.

Through such fundraising, the Lance Armstrong Foundation provides the opportunity for people affected by cancer to feel empowered to continue to “live strong” through their fight
against cancer. For more information, go to www.laf.org

11. Does Cancervive support cancer research?

No. While cancer research is a very good cause, Cancervive focuses on helping Canadian cancer survivors directly.
 

12. Is the CPP rider roster full for 2012?

No, there is still room in the roster for 2012.  We are always looking for more volunteers as well.  You can attend our events and help us fundraise. CPP is a project that depends on volunteers, and we take note of those who have spent time volunteering in support of Cancervive.
 

13. How do I apply to become a CPP rider?

Our application forms are available on our website.  If you are interested in becoming a Peloton Rider, please complete the form or get in touch with the General Manager to set up an appointment.

14. If I apply to ride, do I automatically get in? What is the process?

Cancervive calls applicants for an interview and then selects 30 riders.
There are sponsors, rider, volunteers, Warriors and Cancervive supporters who will earn the privilege of becoming a rider in the following year. 

15. What commitment is required to be part of the CPP ride?

The commitment is to fundraise for Cancer survivorship. The ride itself is the reward for the hard work throughout the year.

Each individual must meet a minimum fundraising commitment of $10,000. Other expectations are: volunteering for Cancervive events; participating in team cycling practices; organizing an event with your team; and taking responsibility for your cancer Warrior prior to and in Lewiston, Maine (if you choose to select a Warrior).

Time commitment runs from January to December.

Beyond the volunteer time commitment to support the goals of Cancervive, riders must also prepare physically and mentally for a nine-day round-the-clock adventure. We are there to help with preparations, but it takes a dedicated effort to ensure the Team is ready to go when the time comes.
 

16. Is the Cancervive Challenge roster full for 2012?

No. We are still accepting registrations.  Anyone is welcome to join - you don't have to be a Cancer Warrior.

You can also attend our events and help us fundraise. Cancervive is a project that depends on volunteers, and we take note of those who have spent time volunteering in support of Cancervive.
 

17. What about friends and family?

Everyone is welcome to participate and sign up. There is a fundraising commitment of $2,000 for all warrior riders, and $4,000 for all other participants.
 

18. Is your charity associated with the Ride to Conquer Cancer?

No. There are other cancer related fundraising groups that have cycling as one of their components. Cancervive is a local grassroots organization that is volunteer based. We do not allocate budget for advertising or promotional campaigns. We are also not a charity – we remain a foundation so that we can minimize overhead.

While we do appreciate donations of all sizes, we are just as interested in the personal involvement  each volunteer puts forward.

19. How can I get more information?

E-mail us at info@cancervive.ca or call (403) 521-5292 ext 308.  We would love to hear from you.