Ride for Hope first-time participant Philip Haas was so moved by the 2017 event held earlier this year that he’s donated more than $30,000 worth of oncology drugs to the Princess Margaret Hospital Oncology Center.

Mr.Haas, Chairman of Deva Holding A.S., joined the Ride for Hope’s 10th Anniversary gran fondo not really knowing what to expect. As Haas reports, he was quickly impressed.

Shortly after he completed his 100-mile ride, Haas pledged to make the incredibly generous donation.

The drugs recently arrived in Nassau and, in presenting them this week to Dr. The Hon. Duane Sands, Minister of Health, Haas said: "We are very proud to be able to partner with Ride for Hope, which we view as a great initiative, to help support cancer patients in The Bahamas.

And we are very pleased to donate some of our highest quality oncology products for cancer sufferers who otherwise might not be able to afford these medications." The drugs will be made available at no charge to qualifying patients.

Acknowledging the value of partnerships with NGOs and the private sector, Minister Sands said, “On behalf of the patients and people of The Bahamas, it is with a sense of gratitude that I extend our thanks to Ride for Hope and Mr. Philip Haas for the generous donation of oncology pharmaceuticals.

I believe they will impact the lives of many persons in a real way.”

Across the nation, the number of persons battling cancer is at an all-time high. Many families struggle terribly to finance costly treatment regimes. One of Ride for Hope’s flagship programs is the Medical Assistance Fund, the first of its kind in the country. Each year, Ride for Hope has earmarked $100,000 to this fund alone.

While the organization is very proud to have established the fund, the national need far outweighs the available cash. Karen Eldon, Ride for Hope’s Administrator, remarked, “The availability of free medicines creates additional positive leverage for families.”

Eldon also cautioned cancer patients and their families to remember that every type of cancer requires very specific drugs and protocols, and emphasized it will be up to PMH Oncology doctors to determine the appropriate recipients of the donated medicines.

Ride for Hope co-founder Stephen Holowesko extended profound thanks and gratitude to Mr. Haas for his wonderful generosity.

“Deva Holdings A.S. has helped remove some of the barriers to cancer treatment for many Bahamians,” Holowesko said. “ We are deeply, deeply grateful.”

The 2018 Ride for Hope Gran Fondo, will again take place in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera on March 10th. One of its major goals will be to substantially increase the Medical Assistance Fund coffers and be better able to help more Bahamians with their fight against cancer. Mr. Holowesko stated that registration is now open for next year’s ride.

“Given the number of persons who’ve already registered, we’re, once again, expecting a great turn-out in Eleuthera,” said Holowesko. Eldon noted that participants can sign up online at www.rideforhopebahamas.com, and that gift certificates are also available for those who wish to give registration as Christmas presents.