Patty Windrim with her daughters Kristin and Kimberly
Staff Photo By: Darcie Thom

Bikes are hung during the riders’ rest
Staff Photo By: Darcie Thom

By: Darcie Thom

Cancer is a burden, an infestation of disease, that doesn’t care who it hurts. It does not discriminate; it attacks all races, ages and sex. We have no way of killing it without killing a part of ourselves and there are no friendly ways to ask it to go away.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a choice whether or not this disease affects us,or the loved ones in our lives, but we can make smarter choices when it comes to taking care of ourselves. We can also participate in events, donate our time and/or money and support the families that are fighting this disease.

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride (with over 50 cyclists) has stepped up in the fight against cancer. The groups of cyclists started in Vancouver on June 2nd and have been traveling across Canada to reach Halifax by June 20th.The National Riders will travel the entire distance of 7,600 km, sometimes riding around the clock and other times riding in unison from town to town.

“We are traveling with National Riders, a Nurse, a Message Therapist, bike mechanics and a whole lot of crew members”, says Damian Brown (one of the team leaders), “Our goal is to raise awareness for childhood cancer, they need funding and a cure.”

This past Friday, June 6th, a group of over 15 cyclists and their crew members came through and stopped in Kipling for a few hours of rest before they had to be back on the road. This particular group (Team Mistro) arrived at “More Than Just Flowers/Sears Outlet”, and was very enthused with our town and the wonderful hospitality that was shown. They were provided with food, rides to the showers and warm greetings from a few Kipling Residents.

The cyclists managed to fit in a 2 1/2 hour sleep before they were hustling to get back on the road again. The crew and cyclist were ready to continue their journey close to 12:00 midnight. The Honourable Don Toth attended this event to extend his thanks and best wishes.

“Team Mistro is outspoken for Cancer, our team song is ‘We will Survive’ and our motto is ‘we are together to the end’, and we mean every word of it!’, Patty Windrim, of Saskatchewan, said, “It’s hard, but it’s worth it”. Patty was accompanied by a large group of her family and friends including her two daughters, Kristin Bruce and Kimberly Cunday. “We’re very proud of my Mom, she’s the only one from Saskatchewan in this group and she is representing this great cause,” says Kristin Bruce.

Andy Brooks, the youngest rider at age 16, grew up with childhood cancer. He is a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 3, his 13-year battle with the disease and cures left him legally blind and with intractable epilepsy. His Mom, Janice, and his guide dog, Boston, are fully supportive of Andy’s ride, both joined him for the 19-day event. With the help and support of the fellow riders, he is able to take part in the ride on a tandem bike. “I grew up with childhood cancer and when I went into remission, I wanted to help people that were dealing with this disease,” recalls Andy.

“This is crazy and transformational. I have learned what I can do and what he can do,” says Janice Brooks.

Jonathan Gallant flew to Vancouver from Halifax to join the National Riders so that he could bike the distance back home and support the cause. “I found out about this through another rider,” stated Jonathan, “We appreciate the support, we need as much support as we can get, it keeps us going.”

Lili Hrabchak (the oldest member of this team) joined the National Riders team knowing that she might have a hard time keeping up with the group, but still had enough heart to push forward anyway. She credited her team by saying “we are one team, when one falls back, we all fall back, we completely support each other no matter how experienced or inexperienced we are.”

“I know everybody has their own reasons for the ride. Children’s lives need fun energy, they don’t look at the future like adults do. When I think of kids with cancer I am deeply saddened, because I have good health, it’s a great gift that we take for granted,” Lili said, “we take so much and it’s time to give back.”

The National Riders were extremely inspirational when it came to reaching their goal. Each and every one of them was doing this for children with cancer and the silent heroes (parents of children afflicted by cancer). Not one person complained of being tired and one couldn’t help but notice their smiles and the determination in their eyes. They don’t want the attention, but they really deserve to be acknowledged for what they are doing.

If anyone out there sees this group of cyclists traveling to Halifax, pull over and shake the hand of a hero, they need our support.

In respect to all who supported this event, thank you.