Approximately 100 motorcycle enthusiasts attended the annual Bikers Against Brain Cancer ride on Saturday, June 16, beginning in the parking lot of Earthway Chiropractic Clinic, headquarters of Dr. Paul Poirier, event founder, and brain cancer survivor.
The day began with a pancake breakfast provided by the Cornwall Kinsmen Club who has now taken on this event as one of its many annual staple causes.
Breakfast was followed by a three hour ride through Alexandria, then to the St-Albert cheese factory!
Once back at the clinic a BBQ hosted by Benson, helped raise additional funds.
Over 25 prizes of gift certificates and products were also drawn, thanks to the generosity of a variety of local businesses.
Both the ride and fundraising supper at Au Vieux Duluth, held earlier in the week, were dedicated to a 10 year old boy, Devon Payette, of Long Sault, who has had three brain surgeries for a form of brain tumour called neurofibromatosis 2 (AKA "NF2").
“There are in excess of 120 kinds of brain tumours, said Poirier. “Some, like mine, are malignant or cancerous, while others are benign therefore more manageable.”
He goes on to explain that in Canada there are 27 new cases diagnosed a day - “which is just shy of 10 thousand new cases a year, and yet few people know much about it.”
“That's where I come in,” says Poirier. “My singular goal is to make this condition better known nationally, and eventually, internationally.” Although, he says that he has enjoyed being a chiropractor for over 15 years now, his true calling is to educate the public about the disease.
“(It) does not discriminate. Young or old, rich or poor, man or woman, all get affected. I’ve been fortunate enough to have persevered through 4 brain surgeries, a metal plate in my skull and 20 months of chemo, so far, yet I'm still putting in my work week and raising my kids, because life must go on.”
Poirier is hopeful to have his documentary film on brain cancer, "The Test of a Man" (www.testofaman.com), completed by Christmas, which expected to be screened at the Arnold Sports Film Festival (www.arnoldsportsfilmfestival.com) in late February.
“We've also secured famous Scottish rock legend, Ian "Jethro Tull" Anderson to narrate the documentary film for us, as the long term goal is to get this documentary into as many film festivals as possible.”
In total, with proceed from the ride, supper and sponsorships, $14,000 was raised. Funds will be shared between the Montreal Neurological Institute and the Canadian Brain Tumour Foundation.
