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.
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 sixth year. This event consists of thirty cyclists embarking on a 9-day, 3900km odyssey, riding relay style from Calgary to Austin (or another city in the US where there is a LIVESTRONG Challenge).
The Warrior Program is supported by the Cancervive Peloton Project by flying up to 30 Cancer Warriors – those currently in their battle – to Austin to participate in the LIVESTRONG event. The purpose for this is to give the Warriors a reprieve from their therapy 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 50 cancer warriors and/or supporters will fundraise and train for a trip to Austin to participate in the LIVESTRONG event. The purpose for this is to give the Warriors an achievable goal that will help them regain control over cancer.
The Peloton Project, the Cancervive Challenge Program and all the Cancervive Warriors will meet in Austin to participate together in the LIVESTRONG weekend.
Support for Cancervive is through sponsorship, donations and participation in our fundraising events including:
• 6th Annual Cancervive Gala – June 24, 2010
• Braveheart Golf Tournaments (Calgary and Grande Prairie) – June 2010
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 five years, Cancervive contributed more than $1,000,000 to Wellspring Calgary. Wellspring has established five facilities in Ontario and opened in Calgary in March 2007, moving to its new facility in June 2009. 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. The main benefactor this year is Wellspring Calgary and opened its new facility in June 2009.
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.
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 Warriors participating in the LIVESTRONG event in Austin. This money comes from corporate sponsors. No donated funds leave Canada.
6. What is the Cancervive Challenge Program?
The Cancervive Challenge Program is new 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 LIVESTRONG event in Austin, October 2010.
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.
7. 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 LIVESTRONG event in Austin.
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 LIVESTRONG event in Austin.
8. 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 20 Warriors. The Warrior Program is an important part of the Peloton Project. We are hoping to bring 30 warriors to Austin this year.
9. What is a LIVESTRONG Event?
There are four annual LIVESTRONG events throughout the United States (Seattle, San Jose, 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.
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.
10. Does Cancervive support cancer research?
No. While cancer research is a very good cause, Cancervive focuses on helping Canadian cancer survivors directly.
11. Is the CPP rider roster full for 2010?
We currently have 30 riders signed up and have room for 5 more. You can always become a volunteer if you would like to participate in Cancervive and the Peloton Project. Driving the vehicles and escorting the riders to Austin, during the 9-day journey, rider volunteers receive priority and consideration for the ride in 2011.
You can also 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.
12. How do I apply to become a CPP rider?
After the CPP completes the ride and the LIVESTRONG event in 2010, Cancervive will immediately begin looking for dedicated people who are interested in continuing the challenge for 2011. We strive to complete the team by the early part of January, so we can begin planning the projects for the coming year.
13. 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 2011. This could limit the spots for other applicants. Please see FAQ #11 on how you can get your foot in the door.
14. 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 Austin (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.
15. Is the Cancervive Challenge roster full for 2010?
No. We are still accepting registration.
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.
16. What about friends and family?
Everyone is welcome to participate and sign up. There is a fundraising commitment of $2500 for all non-warrior participants.
17. 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. Our involvement with Lance Armstrong is that we believe in the ideals of his Foundation.
18. How can I get more information?
E-mail us at info@cancervive.ca
