Tiger-Cats Support 'Chase the Cure'

By Erin Sue
Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats welcomed Wes Bauer as he stopped in after practice on Wednesday.

Wes Bauer, the son of President and CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Lyle Bauer is riding across Canada doing his part in the Canadian fight against cancer. Bauer who was motivated to do something after his father’s experience with the disease, took to the road with his brother who, as a team are raising money to donate toward cancer research.

“To be a part of Chase the Cure, is something like joining a movement. You’re encouraging, supporting, beating this disease.  It’s a disease that takes the lives of so many. It takes the lives of 8 million every year. It’s a harsh disease and we need to start standing up as Canadians to fight against it,” stated Bauer.

Bauer who is meeting up with all the CFL teams arrived in Hamilton after being on the road for two months and has traveled approximately 5000 kilometres. The Chase the Cure Program is to raise awareness about cancer and hear some of the stories of those who it has touched.

By having the support of not only the Hamilton Tiger-Cats but the entire CFL, Wes Bauer and his cause is gaining significant support and acknowledgement across the map.

“It’s just another example of partners in the league, all the teams are here for the same reason. I’ve always felt that our league is only as strong as it’s weakest link, so I think that anytime there is a condition or situation like this where we can help to contribute is good. We all know Wes’s father had a bout with cancer and fortunately was successful in overcoming it. We have to give him a lot of credit for having that drive and desire to bike across Canada to raise funds to help with people who are cancer victims. I think it’s a great project for all of us to take part in,” says General Manager of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Bob O’Billovich.

After talking to the team and in reference to meeting prior CFL teams, Bauer commented on how responsive, supportive, and proactive the teams have been.

“It absolutely feels fantastic. You meet people like Kevin Glenn who comes up to you and shakes your hand, he knows what we’re talking about and that he can make a difference. The CFL is like one big family. When it comes to competing for the Grey Cup we compete against each other but when it comes to something like cancer we complete together. They [Tiger-Cats] have realized that they are those people who can make a difference in the fight against cancer. They are the people who can encourage those to make a difference in Hamilton.”

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats gave Bauer $1500 for his efforts and a team signed helmet to be auctioned off. All donations and monies raised will be donated for cancer research in local provinces.

Bauer’s message to those across Canada, “Go out and encourage people to make a difference, we’re here to support each other.”