Stratford, ON – When Amie Reid’s father was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago, this office administrator at Sutton Group – First Choice Realty Ltd.* could not have imagined the path she had started down.  Through the treatments, successes and setbacks, Amie marvelled at the support she received from the REALTORS® and Brokers Paul and Kim Graham.  When her husband announced he would participate in the challenging 200-kilometer Ride to Conquer Cancer, all of her colleagues offered donations and support.

“Mark took part in the ride in memory of my father, Don Dixon, who passed away on May 11, 2012 from brain cancer.  The Sales Representatives and the Brokers at Sutton donated to the cause.  They have all been my support group through the battle since my dad was diagnosed two years ago.”

Mark was one of 4,852 participants in the 5th Annual Ride to Conquer Cancer and each was required to raise a minimum of $2,500 as their entry fee.  On June 9, 2012, at the start of this year’s two-day ride, organizers announced that the 2012 fundraising total was a record-breaking $18.1 million.  This is the largest cycling fundraiser in Canadian history.  Over the past five years, the event has raised $80.2 million for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, which is considered a leading research centre and care facility.

Amie notes that “the people in my office have so many personal and group charities that they support.  I was so pleased that everyone wanted to make a contribution to Mark’s ride.  The $550 they donated was wonderful but the daily support and good wishes I’ve received over the past two years are what I will always remember.”

Forty-four per cent of Canadian men and 39 per cent of Canadian women will develop cancer in their lifetime according to data on the Ride to Conquer website.  In 2011, there were more than 177,000 new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada and 75,000 Canadians passed away from the disease.

Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 9,000 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide.  To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com.  To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.

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Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:

Mandy Siu                        604-691-1610                stories@suttonspirit.com

Sutton Group – First Choice Realty Ltd.* Contact:

Amie Reid                        519-271-5515                 firstchoice@sutton.com

Paul Graham                    519-271-5515                 pgraham@sutton.com

*Independently owned and operated brokerage

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