The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a very special event for South Surrey Smiles. Almost everyone is impacted by cancer in their lifetime, and it really hit home this year for our team. Dr. Lesley Williams’ twin sister, Dr. Michele Williams, lost her personal battle with cancer. Sadly, Michele died on January 8, 2015.
This year (2015), Lesley and Michele had planned to ride together with their team, Better Outcomes. This would have marked the 5th annual year that Michele was inspired to co-captain team Better Outcomes. Michele spent much of her outstanding career as an Oral Medicine Specialist fighting oral cancer. This ride was her pledge to all of the amazing patients she had the privilege of caring for and to the incredible team of dedicated professionals with whom she worked.
Although Michele was not able to ride this year, Dr. Lesley Williams was there, wearing Michele’s jersey and golden helmet (awarded on the 5th ride) with pride.
It was not an easy ride this year. August 29th, the first day of the ride, the storm hit. It didn’t stop team Better Outcomes who braved pelting rain and unforgiving winds in a two-day cycle trip from Vancouver to Seattle. Trees were down and the power was out but the team stuck together and all made it to the finish where they dismounted from their bikes and walked through the finish line, in memory of Dr. Michele Williams.
We are proud to report that Dr. Lesley Williams was able to raise $142,250 on behalf of her twin sister, Michele. As a team, Better Outcomes raised a total of $245,500. All proceeds from this team will go directly supporting breakthrough oral cancer research, exemplary teaching, and compassionate care. This was Michele’s passion.
Thank you to everyone who supported Dr. Williams in the ride. This was a very special tribute to her sister, Dr. Michele Williams. If you did not have a chance to donate, donations are still being accepted online here:

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