Last year I challenged myself to ride over 5,000KM before I turned 40, in part it was a deal with myself to stay fit so I could keep up with my 4 kids and also to make my daily commute a little bit more pleasant. On November 2, I completed 5,800KM and totally fell in love with cycling all over again.
Last fall, my good friend Katrina, awesome mother of 3 young daughters and dear wife to my good friend Alister, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Denise and I were devastated, as were many of our friends. To us Katrina is this feisty little go-getter who never gives up and in her case there are treatments available that can significantly extend her life for several years with only minor side effects. She is in the minority for stage 4 lung cancer. Most people have only a short time. Although there is no cure, cancer research has given her the possibility of prognosis of years rather than months.
Research has come a long way since I lost my grandfather Ben to lung cancer in 1991. When my sister Julie was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s in 2002 after giving birth to my nephew Mathieu, she was greatly aided by advanced detection and immediate chemo and radiation therapy. In her case, the research and excellent facilities made her journey through the treatment to be a more humane one. She has been in remission since 2008 and her own feisty spirit has driven her to keep fighting for her life, running half marathons and giving birth to her daughter Sophie and her son Ben.
My sister is a special kind of classy lady that just doesn’t take any crap from anyone.
The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital is a cycling journey through Quebec’s countryside – that I’m embarking on to fight cancer and honour Katrina and Julie’s ongoing battle. It will be a challenge in a number of ways, but with my bike, my helmet, and your generosity, a real impact will be made!
[Contribute to this history-making event with a donation](http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Montreal2013?px=3211949&pg=personal&fr_id=1451). Funds raised in The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer will support breakthrough research, exemplary teaching, and compassionate care at the Jewish General Hospital.
Thank you in advance for your help.
