Riley Senft (born March 16, 1979, in Vancouver, British Columbia) is a Canadian humanitarian, prostate cancer activist, and ultramarathon athlete.
On May 7, 2011, Senft set out to run approximately 6,600 km (4,101 miles) across Canada to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection of the disease, and to raise funds for prostate cancer research.
Senft had lost a grandfather to prostate cancer, and watched his father battle the disease twice in five years. [1] He called his awareness program "Step Into Action" [2] Following in the legacy of Terry Fox, Senft ran approximately 6,600 km across the ten provinces of Canada, from East to West. [3] Beginning in Cape Spear, Newfoundland [4] and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia. [5] The purpose of his run was to save the lives of future prostate cancer victims by educating men and women about the steps in early detection.
An experienced athlete, Senft had participated in cycling events in the US to raise money for Habitat for Humanity while a student at Yale University. [6] On October 6, 2011, after 153 days of running upwards of 70 km per day, 6 days a week, [7] Senft officially completed his Step into Action run across Canada when he arrived into Vancouver and finished at the 2010 Winter Olympic Cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza. Upon his arrival, the city of Vancouver lit the Olympic Cauldron aflame in commemoration of his accomplishment. [8] As of October, 2013, Riley and the Step into Action Campaign have raised over Can$838,000 [9] for prostate cancer research, benefiting the Vancouver General Hospital & University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation and the Vancouver Prostate Centre. [10]
During his run, Riley was awarded the keys to the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario from Mayor Keith Hobbs. [11] Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson proclaimed October 6, 2011 Dr. Riley Senft Step into Action Prostate Cancer Awareness Day.
After his run ended Senft continued to spread the message of early detection and has given a TEDx Talk [12] about his experience. On June 5, 2013, Senft received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal [13] from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. [14] Senft currently (as of 2013) lives in Vancouver, BC where he works as an anesthesiologist. [8] [15] He remains an active spokesman for prostate cancer awareness, [12] [16] and the success of his run has led to further fund-raising events by other athletes. [17] [18] [19]
References
- ^ Martin, Melissa (2011-08-19). "Manitoba MD running down prostate cancer". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved 2014-03-31.
- ^ "Getting the Message - CBC News - Latest Canada, World, Entertainment and Business News". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 2011-08-26. Retrieved 2014-03-31.
- ^ "Dr. Riley Senft and his Step Into Action Get Key to Thunder Bay". NetNewsLedger
- ^ McCready, Lyndsay "Running for prostate cancer". Moose Jaw Times-Herald, 4 September 2011.
- ^ "Firefighters Run with Doctor Senft". Coquitlam Firefighters.
- ^ "Habitat Bike Challenge brings Yale students to county projects ". Houghton Lake Resorter, 28 June 2001.
- ^ "West Van Son – and Father – Honored". Lions Bay Community News, 17 June 2013
- ^ a b "The Early Edition | Weekend wrap, China revolution, Workplace: the long goodbye, Ledge guys, Mint Records 20th, South of the Fraser, Riley Senft reaches Vancouver, pr". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2014-03-31.
- ^ "Step into Action -- Support the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer".
- ^ "VGH + UBC Hospital Foundation | Events That Keep Giving". Vghfoundation.ca. 15 October 2013. Retrieved 2014-03-31.
- ^ Murray, James. "Dr. Riley Senft and his Step Into Action Get Key to Thunder Bay". NetNewsledger.com. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
- ^ a b "TEDxLondonBusinessSchool 2012 - Riley Senft - Running against cancer " . TEDx London Business School.
- ^ "Dr. Riley Senft received a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal from Stephen Harper | John Weston MP official site". Johnweston.ca. 2013-07-03. Retrieved 2014-03-31.
- ^ "Movember raises awareness but more checkups needed: West Van doctor". North Vancouver Outlook, 28 November 2013
- ^ "Hansard — House Blues — Thursday, October 20, 2011 p.m". Leg.bc.ca. 2011-10-20. Retrieved 2014-03-31.
- ^ "Movember 'Stache", North Vancouver Outlook, 28 November 2013
- ^ "Cycling for a dad and all men". Vancouver Courier, 13 July 2012
- ^ "Duo to cross Canada to fight prostate cancer". North Shore News, 29 April 2012.
- ^ \'Willy Konantz and Taylor Scholz Raise $250,000 For Prostate Cancer". Collingwood School Athletics
- "Giving prostate cancer the finger" . West Vancouver Outlook.
- "2011 Mackenzie Award - Service: Dr. Riley Senft '97". Collingwood School.
- "MRA Hall of Fame: 2012 Inductees", Manitoba Runners Association.
- "Riley Senft" (recognition in the House of Parliament of Canada) 41st PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 030, 17 October 2011.
- Elliott, Wendy. "Cross-Canada bike tour aims to shed light on depression, suicide". The Hants Journal. 4 August 2013.