The TGF was founded in 2007 by a young man, moved by the loss of his father to cancer, to make
a difference. Says founder, Tony Griffin, “There was a time when people thought Polio was just a necessary part of life. But the genius of a few and the passion of many beat the disease. It seems today that we
look at cancer in the same way, that it is just a necessary part of life. But I know in my heart that it
doesn’t have to be this way, that we can and we will beat it.”
In January of 2007, Tony decided that he would bike across Canada and Ireland. He had not been on a
bike since he was 12. He did not own a bike. He had no support vehicle or crew. So, he bought a one-way plane ticket for Vancouver… for a mere four months later. Tony biked 7,500 KMs in 51 days.
He inspired thousands to rally around him. He rallied volunteers to organize over 30 events in three
countries. He was greeted by thousands in his hometown of Ennis, Ireland alongside hundreds of other
riders that joined him along the way. When it was over, Tony’s remarkable efforts raised over $650,000 in just under seven months.
Today, the foundation lives on based on the principles of volunteerism, having fun, and “celebrating
life.” We pride ourselves on being an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff and virtually no
overhead costs. 99% of the funds we raise go directly to the causes we support: The Lance Armstrong
Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Canada, and Craig’s Cause for Pancreatic Cancer. To get involved,
click here.
