More than 4,400 cyclists raised a record $20.61 million in the 18th annual Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer, Canada's largest athletic fundraiser, presented by Johnson & Johnson.
The Ride, covering more than 200 kilometres between Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake June 7 and 8, united participants in a mission to create a world free from the fear of cancer, raising funds for UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the world's leading cancer research and treatment centres.
"Cancer remains one of the greatest global health threats of our time," says Dr. Miyo Yamashita, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. "Yet, through the unwavering dedication of our Ride community — riders, donors, supporters and volunteers, together we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed and treated in Canada and around the world."
This year's fundraising total of $20.61 million surpassed the previous record of $20.6 million set in 2024.
Since its inception in 2008, more than $320.61 million has been raised to directly support life-saving cancer research and patient care at the Princess Margaret.
Among the riders was Dana Fox, who knows firsthand the importance of this cause. Diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, Dana is undergoing treatment at the Princess Margaret but was committed to completing the 200-kilometre journey over the weekend.
"You are fueling hope, you are funding discovery, and you are changing lives," Dana told the crowd at the opening ceremony. "This isn't just a fundraiser. This is a movement."
The Ride's 2025 Honourary Chairs, Nicholas and Lia Fidei, said: "After witnessing some of the success stories and meeting cancer patients who have overcome cancer, there is no doubt in our minds how much we need to support The Ride and the advancements in cancer research that the Princess Margaret is renowned for."
Nicholas, President of Treasure Hill and President of the Nicholas Fidei Foundation, and this year's top individual fundraiser also added: "No other fundraising event that I have participated in has inspired me to greater achievements."
On Saturday, June 7, all Riders made their way to Hamilton, where they were welcomed by cheering family and friends, enjoyed a hot meal at camp ceremonies and spent the night at McMaster University. Sunday, they continued their journey to the finish line at Peller Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
For more information, to donate or to register for the 2026 Ride to Conquer Cancer, please visit www.ride2conquer.ca.
