A World Beyond Kids Cancer.

I have been involved with kids’ cancer charity work for almost twenty years, including as a board member for Camp Oochigeas (2000-2005), where I was involved in the acquisition of the Muskoka property and subsequent fund raising for and construction of the new facilities.

My first Tour for Kids experience was in 2010. While I had been an active bike commuter and mountain biker for many years, I had only recently started road riding when I was talked into joining some of my real estate industry colleagues for a 4-day cycling and fund-raising event. Participating in this challenging event was a highlight of that summer for me; I met some wonderful people who were passionate about the cause and heard many heart-breaking stories of families dealing with kids’ cancer. I was hooked! I have participated in the Tour for Kids ride every summer since (as well as Alberta and Nova Scotia in 2013 – a.k.a. the “Triple Crown”) and have made many great friendships with fellow participants and volunteers alike, raising over $200,000 for the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation.

The National Ride is something I have been thinking about doing for several years now. I had planned to do it last year and was more than disappointed when the ride was cancelled for various reasons.  One year later, I am looking forward to it once again! My goal this year is to raise an additional $40,000 for children’s cancer research on top of the $60,000 raised last year.

While we have been blessed with three healthy children, the opportunity to participate in this event and raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something I will always remember and be thankful for.