Riders bike for Betty

Expect to see hundreds of cyclists riding on Mississauga’s Waterfront Trail this Sunday in support of the Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre.
Money from the first Bike4Betty fundraiser, organized by the Trillium Health Centre Foundation, raised will go towards diagnostic equipment for the Etobicoke site of the Trillium Health Centre, where they provide early detection and treatment for breast cancer and osteoporosis.
“We hope to raise $200,000 towards an ultrasound unit. These are very expensive pieces of equipment,” said Miriam Myers, the foundation’s event manager.
Already there are more than 500 registrants but people can sign up the day of the event at Port Credit Memorial Park. Registration costs $20.
Named in honour of Kevin Wallace’s mother who died 15 years ago, the spa-like clinic would not exist without his commitment, Myers said.
As co-owner of Gears Bike Shop in Port Credit, Kevin raised $3.5 million for the local breast cancer treatment centre over seven years by organizing Gears 24-hour Spin, an annual event that took place at the Hershey Centre with 2,500 people riding stationary bikes while listening to live entertainment.
Bike4Betty is an evolution of that fundraiser, Kevin, 38, said.
“It’s not really about my mom. It’s about all our moms. It’s a day of appreciating all moms and families — which mothers are the centre of — while raising awareness of the need for these services,” he said, adding that he will be there with his wife and daughter.
The Betty Wallace Centre, which opened in 2004, provides services to 200 patients a week. Unlike regular hospitals, patients can schedule appointments at the clinic without referrals from doctors. The clinic also follows up with patients every two years.
One in nine women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Breast cancer survivors represent one per cent of the female population, according to the National Cancer Institute of Canada.
Bike4Betty participants can ride as little as two kilometers up to 30 kilometres on Mississauga’s Waterfront Trail or take a 40-kilometre Mountain Bike ride along the Mississauga Trail Network or 75-kilometre ride out to the country on roads.
After the non-competitive family bike ride —which ends at the park — TVOKids’ alumnus Nicole Stamp will welcome the crowd to performances by folk rockers Stonefox, Mark Kersey from Mr. DressUp and David Soul, along with many favourite children's television characters.  
There’s also a free picnic for participants after the ride and there will be prizes for riders including Best Dressed Family, Best Decorated Bike, Best Decorated Helmet and Last Place Rider.
For more information visit www.Bike4Betty.com.
onlinnews@mississauga.net