The following article was posted in Info Week-End by reporter Daniel Goulet, who interviewed us at a lunch stop at Sears in Edmundston, New Brunswick.
Pour les enfants atteints du cancer
Ils parcourent 7 000 kilomètres à vélo
Daniel Goulet
La randonnée cycliste nationale de Sears pour les enfants atteints du cancer, Destination : Au-delà du cancer, a fait une petite halte de 30 minutes à Edmundston la semaine dernière sur le parcours de Vancouver à Halifax tenu du 7 au 22 septembre, un trajet de 7 000 kilomètres en 16 jours et le plus long trajet de vélo de la planète pour une cause charitable.
Malgré le vent, la pluie, le soleil torride en certains endroits et autres difficultés parfois techniques, une quinzaine de cyclistes sont partis de Vancouver le 7 septembre pour entreprendre une randonnée à vélo de 7 000 kilomètres, roulant sept jours sur sept, pour amasser des fonds pour vaincre le cancer affectant des milliers d’enfants à travers le pays. Plusieurs sportifs de différentes villes à travers le Canada ont été invités à se joindre à eux comme cyclistes d’étape ou de relais.
Les cyclistes sont regroupés en deux groupes. Le premier parcourt en moyenne de 230 à 270 kilomètres par jour. Le second parcourt de 130 à 170 kilomètres par jour avec une vitesse moyenne de 28 km/h.
Le cycliste d’étape, François Grenier, a rejoint le premier groupe à Québec et a terminé le parcours avec son équipe jusqu’à l’étape ultime, Halifax. « J’ai connu plusieurs personnes atteintes du cancer, dont certaines sont décédées, et je cherchais un moyen de me rendre utile. J’ai trouvé cette fondation est j’ai décidé de m’y joindre » a raconté monsieur Grenier.
Le premier groupe est composé de quatre cyclistes chevronnés. Il s’agit de Heather Jager, Glen Way, Neil Mitchell et Behnman Rad, tous partis de Vancouver pour cette randonnée. « C’est mon deuxième tour. L’année dernière, je l’ai fait car j’avais l’ambition de traverser le Canada en vélo. L’expérience m’a ouvert les yeux sur plusieurs choses et je le refais spécialement cette année pour les enfants. J’ai un montant de 31 000 $ amassé par les commandites » a expliqué madame Jager.
Chaque cycliste national qui parcoure le trajet de Vancouver à Halifax doit être commandité pour une somme minimale de 25 000 $. La fondation a recueilli à ce jour 4,5 M$ pour les 17 centres d’oncologie pédiatrique à travers la pays.
La randonnée cycliste nationale de Sears pour les enfants atteints du cancer existe depuis 2008 et est présentée à chaque année au début de septembre.
Environ 10 000 enfants canadiens et leur famille sont affectés par cette maladie.
Pour informations, visitez le http://www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com/francais/#natrid
The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride operates on a funding model that sees 100% of all receiptable donations directed straight to the charities. This could not happen without the incredible dedication of dozens of volunteers that accompany the riders across the country. They support our every need, from drivers, to medics, to mechanics, to massage therapists, and most days they work longer (if not harder) than we cyclists. They feed us, chauffeur us, and even do our laundry. They arrange routes, schedules, public events, and showers, and are always ready with a smile, words of encouragement and advice, or a hug. They are the truly selfless people on the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.
I would like to extend a special thank you to my husband Egbert Jager, who accompanied us in both 2009 and 2011, and who is always incredibly supportive of my cycling addiction. He is my hero. Sincere thanks also to the rest of Team 2’s amazing crew: Bob & Terry, Wayne, Kirk & Jenn, Scott, RP, Paul, Fana, and Natalia. You guys are the best!
I was awake before 7 this morning and bumped into Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation founder Jeff Rushton. There was no one else around and Jeff commented that we weren’t going to make it for a 7:15 departure. I’m not sure what version of a schedule (or what time zone perhaps) Jeff was working on, but since the New York Fries cooking crew were just emerging from their RV I could guarantee that 7:15 was out of the question.
Everyone was pretty anxious for our final ride though, so it wasn’t too big of an effort to get everyone mounted up by 8. Patrick Sullivan, who was able to fly in from Vancouver to rejoin us for the last day, dedicated today’s ride to all of the 2011 SNKCR riders and volunteers.
We had a police escort again today, but due to the size of the group, the slower pace required, and the speed limitations of the tandem, we had to pull the whole convoy off the road a number of times to allow traffic to pass. It was a relaxed ride, but I certainly can’t say I regretted the pace after 15 days of riding near my limit.
As we rolled along over the rolling terrain we admired idyllic maritime views in the gentle morning sunlight. I hoped that Egbert had time to capture a few photos of the tranquil water, colourful boats resting quietly at anchor, and quaint wood-sided cottages. These mental snapshots will certainly be among those I will cherish from this trip.
I also marvelled once again at the strength and determination of the tandem riders Josh Nelson (8 year cancer survivor), his stoker Mark Burger, and repeat SNKCR riders Roger Gallant and Carlos Didomizio who rode alongside to lend a push or pull on the inclines. Josh has shown a mountain of determination to carry him through a journey that would be tough for any cyclist, never mind a person with motor skills and strength compromised by cancer therapy. Meanwhile the selflessness of his crew, affectionately nicknamed “tandemonium”, is simply awe inspiring. They worked HARD.
Our ride took us out in the direction of Peggy’s Cove. We had a brief stop and photo op at the memorial for the Swissair disaster, then as a fairly heavy fog bank rolled in we carried on to our 45km stop at Peggy’s Cove. It was a fairly short stop give the weather, then we rolled another 45km to a Sears store in Halifax. At about 60km into our day’s ride I finally felt my legs come back. I was even able to help double-push the tandem on one longish hill, then joined Jeff Rushton at the front of the pack until the shopping center.
At the shopping center we heard from our major sponsor Sears, a local MLA, a representative from the IWK (children’s hospital for the Maritime provinces) and a father whose teenage daughter Olivia was diagnosed with a type of leukemia in February of this year. Then we had our last road lunch and it was off to the IWK where we got to meet Olivia herself.
Finally it was time for our last 3km ride to Point Pleasant Park and the official wheel-dipping in the Atlantic Ocean to mark the end of the 2011 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.
The scene at the beach was jubilant and more than a little emotional. There was a champagne toast, followed by a champagne shower courtesy of Jeff. We took the official wheel-dipping photo with all the riders and volunteers, and lots more photos were taken of bikes hoisted and hugs with special friends. Team 2 crew chief Scott Doran, rider Patrick Sullivan, and Jeff Rushton even went for a swim in the cold water.
I want to thank Robin and Ben, all the relay riders and alumni who rode with us, and all of our truly fabulous crew of volunteers for their part in helping Team 2 accomplish our goal, but Neil and Glen will always have a special place in my heart.
As the party began to wind down and riders started leaving the beach with their bikes we took our Team 2 “after” photo. Neil, Glen, & I had arms over each others shoulders and after the shutters closed it sure was hard to let them go. I know how this goes. All too soon I will be back in my real life and I’m going to miss my teammates like crazy.
What a journey we had together. We’ve seen each other at our best and our worst. We’ve challenged and supported each other. We’ve shared many laughs and a few tears, serious conversations, and lots of “locker room” talk. Thanks so much for sharing your SNKCR experience with me. You guys are fantastic cyclists and amazing people and I will always consider it an honour and a privilege to have been part of your team.
I have been fortunate in both my years of participation on the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride to be on the team that visited beautiful Prince Edward Island. Someday I will have to try cycling it when I am not so worn down, but it was still a glorious sunny day of riding. We put on about 70km getting to the Confederation Bridge which connects New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island. There was a bit of a tailwind and the guys were keeping a stiff pace in the low 40s. I tried hard not to have to slow the group down, but finally at about 50km I had to beg for mercy and we slowed to the low 30s. Cycling is not permitted on the bridge, so we jumped in the RVs to shuttle across. On the island we had a bit of headwind as we rode the southern coast to Charlottetown. Between that and the hills I felt like I was dragging the group’s speed down again, but to my surprise we still managed a 31kmph average. The guys were patient with my tired legs and we kept the humour light as we rode and thoroughly enjoyed the bright sunshine on the fall scenery.
We arrived in Cornwall, about 7km from our Charlottetown destination a good hour ahead of schedule. To celebrate we had the rare treat of a round of ice cream cones and basking in the sunshine. I was surprised to learn that the 20+ degree heat is typical for September. Who would have thought I’d sunburn this late in the year?
Harvest is in full swing here. It seems strange to see fields of grain between fields of potatos. The fields are smaller, the architecture quite different, and the landscape is rolling, but it still had a comfortable familiarity when I saw the combines lumbering around the fields.
We were treated to a police escort from Cornwall to the Charlottetown Sears. The police sergeant told us that he had also escorted Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, and Steve Fonyo on their journeys. We were honoured to have been included in such a prestigious roster and enjoyed being able to run the stop lights on the last leg of the day’s ride.
I remember the welcome we got at Charlottetown in 2009 and this year the reception was equally as warm. We were greeted by dozens of Sears Associates, the military, navy, fire department, and police. It really is heartwarming to see such great support for our cause at a grassroots level.
From Charlottetown we had another long shuttle to Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, the staging area for our last day of riding on the 2011 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. Supper was a real treat when we arrived. The New York Fries mobile crew had a delectable lobster bisque, barbequed lobster tails, grilled vegetables, chicken, and more. It’s incredible how well they feed us!
Some people were in a party mood, but I think everyone was in their bunks by midnight in anticipation of our 100km finale ride tomorrow.
I’m a little behind on my blog but just wanted to let everyone know that after a beautiful day of cycling from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia to Peggy’s Cove to Point Pleasant Park in Halifax the 2011 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride has arrived safe and sound. The battle against childhood cancer must continue but for this batch of Riders and Crew it’s all over but the celebration. Congratulations everyone, it’s an amazing accomplishment! Heather Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
I met Alex’s osteo doctor on the street the other day, with her nearly 2 year old daughter. I hadn’t seen her in some time, though I communicate via email occasionally and always include her in my mass emails looking for donations. As if she doesn’t give enough already.
She is a gift to these children whom she treats. She is a caregiver in every sense of the word. She treated Alex’s disease, but she cared for Alex as a person. She connected with him (and her other patients that we observed) very quickly. She was young when she first met him, seemingly almost a teenager. She had an ever ready smile and an easy manner. She spoke to him as a boy at times, and as a man when that was necessary. There were many times when she took care of Frances and me too.
As we walked away, I remarked to my friend how incredible it is that these people can do the job that they do, when it results in such heartache. And how do they open themselves up with the kids that they are treating when all too often that ends in pain? I don’t know how they do it.
There were so many healers along the way.
Tag-teamed with our oncologist was our surgeon. It took a while for us to warm up to him, and he to us. It can’t generally be within a surgeon’s makeup to be a warm and fuzzy, when you spend your days cutting into people - though that is a generalization that isn’t fair in most cases and certainly not in this one (having had a physician as a father who cared for and about more people than anyone else I have ever known, I should know better). As time went on, he connected more with Alex and I think found an intellectual equal in him, even though he was a 10 year old boy at the time of his surgeries. He came into Alex’s room one day following the surgeries with a flying monkey toy which could be shot slingshot style at people, whereupon it would howl like a monkey. He delighted in shooting it at Alex. We later, when this first one lost its howl, we found another and surprised him with a welcoming shot one day. He did amazing things, gave Alex a “bionic” leg and a chance at a good life.
The nurses at Sick Kids were Alex’s everyday caregivers. They did the heavy lifting, the ugly and nasty jobs, did them with a smile, and taught the doctors more than they are given credit for. They were the ones that we developed relationships with, and who love these kids every single day.
We were blessed to have a team at Credit Valley Hospital to take care of us too. We had some stays there during Alex’s initial treatment which were a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of Sick Kids. The slower pace of life allowed the doctors and nurses to spend just a little more time caring for Alex. When Alex was diagnosed as terminal with leukemia, we were blessed to have our dear friend request that she be able to care for him. In truth, she was taking us through a process that started as a nightmare and turned into a beautiful passage for our boy onto the next adventure in his journey through the stars. She guided us every step of the way and continues to be with us, and we with her, as we both move forward to try to help other kids.
Alex physios were and are a committed bunch of people. Our friend is the most delightful, caring person. She knows everything there is to know about the mechanics of the body, but it is her humanity, warmth, and inner beauty, along with a stern-ness when necessary, that distinguishes her. She cared for Alex and was committed to getting his “bionic” leg to work well enough to get him onto a bicycle. She ran a fundraising stationary bike ride in the clinic and raised $10,000 for Sick Kids. In these past few weeks she has fixed me up for this ride, getting my back working well enough to do my part on the road, and cared for me in doing it.
The mental and spiritual caregivers were as important throughout Alex’s illness and approaching his death. His family – grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins – and friends all loved him and shared time with him. They brought us food, treats, and company and tried to ease the loneliness of the hospital and home. They played games to allowed his abilities to shine without making him feel unable.
We met several healers in the pursuit of hope, when traditional medicine told us that they could do nothing more for us. They gave us hope, but also insight, perspective, new ways of thinking. One connected with Alex more than others. She is a gentle soul as was he. They could talk of anything and did, and we trusted her with Alex. She told us after he had died of one exchange that came a short time before his death. He said, “I can’t do this anymore, I can’t fight”. And she told him, “Then don’t”. And Alex replied, “But I can’t do this to my parents”. She told him, “It isn’t you that is doing it, it is the cancer. You have done everything that you can do. This isn’t your fault.” And he was set at ease, and that terrible burden was lifted from him: he was healed in his own way and he was able to move on in his journey.
She told us this story, as I said, after Alex’s death. And she said to us then, “You think that you found me to try to heal Alex, but perhaps Alex found me to try to heal you.” I believe that that is true and I believe that Alex was a wiser and older soul who somehow knew more about everything than any of us could imagine. I am glad that he continues to sit on my shoulder and help me, and I try to listen.
We are blessed to have had and continue to have healers and caregivers surrounding us, through Alex’s illness, his death, and on into our efforts to do more to help. We have had our medical and spiritual healers to help us, our close friends, our families. We have found healing with our friends at Give to Live and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, at Sick Kids Hospital and Foundation, at Credit Valley Hospital. We have connected and found true friends who are survivors, along with their families. We have shared tears and told proud stories of our children with families of other champions like Alex and Finn who have died. We have found family at Coast to Coast, on Tour for Kids, the Inside Ride and the National Ride. It is a long and difficult journey but we know that there are many who will help us to ease the path.
The road is long, with many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where, who knows when
But I’m strong, Strong enough to carry him
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother So on we go…
- Bobby Scott and Bob Russell
