Searchlight Pharma team joins the CIBC 401 Bike Challenge in support of the Montreal Children’s and Toronto SickKids® Hospitals

August 13, 2016 (MONTREAL, QUEBEC)

The Searchlight Pharma team is extremely proud to have participated in the 2016 edition of the CIBC 401 Bike Challenge—an exciting 3-day fundraiser and cycling event from the Toronto SickKids® Hospital to the Montreal Children’s, which took place from August 10th to 12th.

 
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Searchlight Pharma bikers (left to right): Joe Walewicz, Guy Vadish, Gabriel Lévesque, Mark Nawacki, Rob Vinson, Vincent Courtois, Steven Rourke. Angel Rodriguez (front).
 

12 years and going strong

The CIBC 401 Bike Challenge was inaugurated in 2005 when, in thanks for his wife’s successful battle with cancer, Gene Piccoli decided it was time to give back to the community. Along with Angie, and their children, James and Lauren, Gene created a cycling event which provides the opportunity for participants to raise funds to support sick children and those who care for them while surpassing their own physical and personal goals. In a spirit of collaboration, the Challenge links the cities of Toronto and Montreal and, during its 12 years of existence, has raised over $2 million in support of Sarah’s Fund of the Cedars Cancer Institute.

Did you say hot?

Over 3 days and an epic 580 km, the Searchlight cyclists—alongside 25 other riders—peddled their hearts out and rose to the physical challenge of some serious distance biking with temperatures reaching 40C on days 1 and 2, and a spectacular downpour leaving Cornwall on day 3!

 
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Joe, Guy, Rob, and Mark (before they hit the saddle)
 

“There is no question this cycling journey is challenging,” said Mark Nawacki, Searchlight President and CEO, “but I can assure you that our physical effort does not even begin to compare with the challenges faced by the children for whom we rode. As one of my Searchlight teammate’s said to me, what right do we have to complain about what we’re about to face?”

Giving back

As a team, Searchlight is thrilled to have raised $35,000, and to have helped contribute to this year’s grand total of over $200,000.

What’s more, all of the riders of Team Searchlight walked away from the CIBC 401 Bike Challenge having achieved new personal and physical milestones. As Mark put it, “Most importantly, we are so proud of the little bit we’ve been able to do to help improve the lives of these innocent, young kids.”

Thank you

On behalf of the Team Searchlight riders and numerous collaborators, Searchlight would like to thank everyone who supported their participation in the CIBC 401 Bike Challenge and invite you to take part in next year’s event!

And… it’s never too late to help. If you’d like to contribute to the Searchlight fundraising total, please visit:  
http://give.cedars.ca/site/TR/Bike/2015_401Bike?team_id=1450&pg=team&fr_id=1080

 
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Sweet success! With all the participants on arrival at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.