Aug 10, 2014
The Ride.
As in the Ride that has such a touching opening ceremony it leaves every person watching in tears - rider and non-rider alike.
As in the Ride my beautiful, determined, inspirational Mall Angels aka The One Aim team train for all year long.
As in The Enbridge (Alberta) Ride to Conquer canser.
Yes, that Ride.
The emotion for me started as I was lined up to turn into COP for the opening ceremonies. I was full of energy and excitement to see 'my' One Aimers off. As I was waiting for a turn signal in the huge line up to turn into COP off the highway, all I could see around me were vehicles with bikes. In vehicles. On the back of vehicles. On the roof of vehicles. In truck beds.
And then in front of me a BC license plate. To the right of them, a Saskatchewan plate.
Next thing I knew tears were running down my face and my lip was quivering as I tried to get my emotions under control. After a few failed attempts I gave up and let the tears pour freely.
It's hard to describe the feeling I got looking at all these strangers - from all over - who came to put themselves through a gruelling 200 plus kilometer hell, and who had to raise money - min 2500 each! - to participate.
Yes, you have to pay to go through this hell.
And what they are doing - these strangers - could benefit me. Cause all the money goes to the Alberta canser Foundation.
I've talked about feeling "the cold spear of fear in my heart" right before I heard the words "it's breast canser". This was like the opposite of that feeling. My heart felt like it was going to explode - it was kinda hard to breathe but because I was so choked up with joy, gratitude, solidarity, strength and hope.
And I hadn't even arrived at the damn event yet!!
I finally made it in and parked at the 1st field I saw cause it was nearing 7:30Am and ceremonies started at 8. I was on a mission to see some of my Mall Angels to wish them luck.
Oh and I went on my own only cause had we attempted to bring the kids all the way across town for that early in the morning, we would have shown up at 10AM when no one but the cleaners were left...Our sitter situation kinda fell through so Phil and I couldn't volunteer like we wanted to. But I wasn't going to miss cheering them on at the start of their long ride.
The walk from my van to the start line was about 10 minutes. I didn't worry about where to go - I just followed the crowd.
And tried to at least keep the tears from falling that were welling up in my eyes...I was only moderately successful.
And then I came around the same bend that (unbeknownst to me) was the start and finish of The Ride. I saw people. And bikes. Everywhere.
As I crossed the start line I could see a bunch of One Aim bikes right at the start - I recognised the names - but no riders. It didn't take me long though. With a lump in my throat, tears (momentarily) contained and a blazing smile I started making my way towards the ones I could see. This is where I met Jill. Her son is a canser survivor and this was her first ride. She is an awesome lady - so bubbly and she seemed excited and a bit nervous. Aside from their fearless leader Nigel and maybe Martin Dodd (who biked for 24 hrs at the CANsuffer event where I first met them all) I bet they all felt nervous. 200 plus km is no small feat. And just to be clear for those who don't live here - it's not a flat ride either...there are some hills that look big from a car, so I can imagine how huge they look from the seat of a bike...
One Aim had 130 riders and had raised over $400, 000 (and that's not the final tally yet! There's still money coming from past fund raising events this year!) These are serious canser conquerors. Of course I guess that's expected when you join a team called 'One Aim Conquer canser'.
I looked around for Matt. He had his flag (which had my name and Stephane's to name a few on it) on his helmet so I thought he'd be easy to spot.
But with over 1700 riders I never did get to see him (I found out later he was near the front) I did see Nigel though for a quick moment to say good luck and get a hug. And I got to talk to Mike and meet his fiance Sarah. They were quite the celebrities. They got married that night at camp and all the media wrote stories about them and their story also went viral! (you may have already heard about them) It was Mike's 3rd Ride and Sarah's 2nd Ride. Here's a link from the Calgary Sun on them:
Mike & Sarah's Wedding
It was a first for The Ride but I bet they just started a trend lol. Mike talks with such love and respect for his fellow One Aim team. That is something I've noticed with all the One Aimers I've had the pleasure of meeting. They love their teammates. I met them in May (see The Mall post if you haven't) and in these few short months I too now share a love for this incredible, inspiring group of people. So I thought it was fantastic that Mike & Sarah felt so strongly that they wanted to share their happy day with as Mike put it "their other family". Their wedding was officiated by another teammate Sean Dunnigan. He is the gent who was married to Jen - that bright light of a soul that the team lost to colorectal canser earlier this year. On Tues I went to the team's last training ride before The Ride (ha for beers after - I'm not on a bike yet!) Mike was telling me about the wedding and how they wanted to be married by Sean cause he and Jen had the kind of marriage and love they want. What a great reason.
Phil and I didn't make it cause we were celebrating my friend Liz's 40th bday in Strathmore (Hope I'm not in trouble for putting the 40th part in my blog...sorry Liz!!) But I hear it was a beautiful, emotional ceremony (with a few laughs too) I bet the team is even more bonded now. I wish we could have been at 2 places at once but look forward to hearing more stories about it in the coming weeks from everyone!
I also got to talk with Elaine (the 32 year survivor!) and watched the opening ceremonies together. She knew what was coming. I was crying like 2 speakers in. Like body shaking - Elaine threw her arms around me a number of times when I was overcome with emotion.
There were 2 parts that left everyone in tears.
A 13 year old boy got up to talk about his canser story. Yes, 13.
He was diagnosed with a tumour in his brain and the news got worse and worse. It would not likely respond to chemo. Options seemed limited. But between a doc from the US and one from the Alberta Children's Hospital (here in Calgary) they came up with a plan for treatment that included surgery and radiation. He had multiple surgeries - on his brain! - to remove as much of the tumour as they could. Then he had radiation. At The Ride he announced the past 2 MRI scans have shown no canser! The whole crowd were wiping tears away with this announcement.
I was sobbing. I was crying for what no child should have to go through. I was crying for the positive, resilient attitude from one so young. I was crying for the hope a 13 year old gave me with his survival story.
The other big emotional moment was when 4 survivors escorted a riderless bike across the start line. The announcer said it was to represent those we lost to this disease. But he said it also represented the survivors who were escorting it. Not a dry eye in the house. Thankfully I had been warned beforehand so I was still crying but had it caught me by surprise people would have been swimming out ha.
Anyone who is going through this or is affected by canser should try to go to The Ride next year - either to participate (I know a great team...) or just to watch. It is so motivational, and emotional. You will not feel alone. You will feel like you are surrounded by family. It's powerful.
Watching my One Aim team cross the start line was exciting. I said a silent prayer to keep them safe, and to keep them swift.
The Ride also announced $7.9 million had been raised so far. I drove home thinking about all I had witnessed that morning.
Celebrating with Liz later that night was great. We got to catch up and see all the work they did on their house. The kids go to see each other too, which was long overdue. (they moved to Strathmore almost a year ago - we've seen them lots but almost been a month since last meeting) Aydan (Liz's daughter) is Emmy's "sister" (that's what they call each other) She's blond. Emmy's a redhead. They call each other Ana and Elsa lol Like we needed more Frozen injected into our lives!! It was a great night. We didn't leave till 10. Ethan was out cold 5 min into the drive.
Next morning I loaded up my sign, and myself to go cheer on my One Aimers as they came up the last ramp towards the finish line at COP. I forgot about my camera when the first few went by but then started taking pics of every One Aim rider I saw. I could pick out their riders from the special One Aim jersey's they were sporting from when they turned right to come that last ramp.
I was so pumped when they crossed - They did it! What an accomplishment. What a selfless act. Phil and the kids joined me a bit later and got to meet all these people I've been talking about for months. He loved meeting them. I think he's hooked now too :)
Matt and Elaine both had crashes. It sounds like about 50k in on the 1st day another rider who was passing Matt on a hill lost his "umph" to get up the hill and fell over on Matt. That hurt Matt's arm, pretty bad. But he continued another 20k! He had to end there cause it was just too painful. I know what this Ride means to him and his friend Jordan that he lost to this wretched disease. But he kept his pride (70k is amazing feat!!!) and sounds like the One Aim team rallied behind him. That doesn't surprise me. He's a warrior after what he's been through with his leukaemia journey. I told him "I guess once you're a warrior it never really goes away". He was in good spirits so I was glad.
Elaine crashed and had to dig gravel out of her leg!! She had lots of physio at camp and was taped up which allowed her to continue next day and finish. Tough cookie.
So the Ride is not only challenging, people do sometimes have mishaps. Luckily there were doctors participating this year (off the clock but they helped Elaine!!) and volunteer vehicles are around that can offer assistance if need be.
What a phenomenal weekend. I felt high driving home on Sunday and I didn't even participate!! It was a fantastic way to spend the weekend before chemo.
Since meeting One Aim I feel like they have changed my life. If (when) the Run for the Cure 5k goes well and I get the all clear in January from docs, I want to join One Aim and start training with them. Phil wants to as well. This is not the type of thing we would've ever thought about doing previously. Now I feel like we could do it if we train with this team. You really never know what life has in store for you.
So thank you One Aimers. You raise funds and raise spirits. I'll be forever thankful that our paths crossed that day in May at the Southcenter Cansuffer event when I was trying to come to terms with my bald head. You've played a crucial role in my journey to top up my strength when it gets low. Every Saturday that I saw you on your training rides near Bragg Creek as we drove out of town (many times before chemo) , gave me a boost. You became my dependable comfort no matter what was going through my head.
You and The Ride are one of the best things that's happened to me on this crazy ride.
Thank you from the bottom of my and my family's heart.
You have a fan for life.
The Ride.
As in the Ride that has such a touching opening ceremony it leaves every person watching in tears - rider and non-rider alike.
As in the Ride my beautiful, determined, inspirational Mall Angels aka The One Aim team train for all year long.
As in The Enbridge (Alberta) Ride to Conquer canser.
Yes, that Ride.
The emotion for me started as I was lined up to turn into COP for the opening ceremonies. I was full of energy and excitement to see 'my' One Aimers off. As I was waiting for a turn signal in the huge line up to turn into COP off the highway, all I could see around me were vehicles with bikes. In vehicles. On the back of vehicles. On the roof of vehicles. In truck beds.
And then in front of me a BC license plate. To the right of them, a Saskatchewan plate.
Next thing I knew tears were running down my face and my lip was quivering as I tried to get my emotions under control. After a few failed attempts I gave up and let the tears pour freely.
It's hard to describe the feeling I got looking at all these strangers - from all over - who came to put themselves through a gruelling 200 plus kilometer hell, and who had to raise money - min 2500 each! - to participate.
Yes, you have to pay to go through this hell.
And what they are doing - these strangers - could benefit me. Cause all the money goes to the Alberta canser Foundation.
I've talked about feeling "the cold spear of fear in my heart" right before I heard the words "it's breast canser". This was like the opposite of that feeling. My heart felt like it was going to explode - it was kinda hard to breathe but because I was so choked up with joy, gratitude, solidarity, strength and hope.
And I hadn't even arrived at the damn event yet!!
I finally made it in and parked at the 1st field I saw cause it was nearing 7:30Am and ceremonies started at 8. I was on a mission to see some of my Mall Angels to wish them luck.
Oh and I went on my own only cause had we attempted to bring the kids all the way across town for that early in the morning, we would have shown up at 10AM when no one but the cleaners were left...Our sitter situation kinda fell through so Phil and I couldn't volunteer like we wanted to. But I wasn't going to miss cheering them on at the start of their long ride.
The walk from my van to the start line was about 10 minutes. I didn't worry about where to go - I just followed the crowd.
And tried to at least keep the tears from falling that were welling up in my eyes...I was only moderately successful.
And then I came around the same bend that (unbeknownst to me) was the start and finish of The Ride. I saw people. And bikes. Everywhere.
One Aim had 130 riders and had raised over $400, 000 (and that's not the final tally yet! There's still money coming from past fund raising events this year!) These are serious canser conquerors. Of course I guess that's expected when you join a team called 'One Aim Conquer canser'.
I looked around for Matt. He had his flag (which had my name and Stephane's to name a few on it) on his helmet so I thought he'd be easy to spot.
But with over 1700 riders I never did get to see him (I found out later he was near the front) I did see Nigel though for a quick moment to say good luck and get a hug. And I got to talk to Mike and meet his fiance Sarah. They were quite the celebrities. They got married that night at camp and all the media wrote stories about them and their story also went viral! (you may have already heard about them) It was Mike's 3rd Ride and Sarah's 2nd Ride. Here's a link from the Calgary Sun on them:
Mike & Sarah's Wedding
It was a first for The Ride but I bet they just started a trend lol. Mike talks with such love and respect for his fellow One Aim team. That is something I've noticed with all the One Aimers I've had the pleasure of meeting. They love their teammates. I met them in May (see The Mall post if you haven't) and in these few short months I too now share a love for this incredible, inspiring group of people. So I thought it was fantastic that Mike & Sarah felt so strongly that they wanted to share their happy day with as Mike put it "their other family". Their wedding was officiated by another teammate Sean Dunnigan. He is the gent who was married to Jen - that bright light of a soul that the team lost to colorectal canser earlier this year. On Tues I went to the team's last training ride before The Ride (ha for beers after - I'm not on a bike yet!) Mike was telling me about the wedding and how they wanted to be married by Sean cause he and Jen had the kind of marriage and love they want. What a great reason.
Phil and I didn't make it cause we were celebrating my friend Liz's 40th bday in Strathmore (Hope I'm not in trouble for putting the 40th part in my blog...sorry Liz!!) But I hear it was a beautiful, emotional ceremony (with a few laughs too) I bet the team is even more bonded now. I wish we could have been at 2 places at once but look forward to hearing more stories about it in the coming weeks from everyone!
I also got to talk with Elaine (the 32 year survivor!) and watched the opening ceremonies together. She knew what was coming. I was crying like 2 speakers in. Like body shaking - Elaine threw her arms around me a number of times when I was overcome with emotion.
There were 2 parts that left everyone in tears.
A 13 year old boy got up to talk about his canser story. Yes, 13.
He was diagnosed with a tumour in his brain and the news got worse and worse. It would not likely respond to chemo. Options seemed limited. But between a doc from the US and one from the Alberta Children's Hospital (here in Calgary) they came up with a plan for treatment that included surgery and radiation. He had multiple surgeries - on his brain! - to remove as much of the tumour as they could. Then he had radiation. At The Ride he announced the past 2 MRI scans have shown no canser! The whole crowd were wiping tears away with this announcement.
I was sobbing. I was crying for what no child should have to go through. I was crying for the positive, resilient attitude from one so young. I was crying for the hope a 13 year old gave me with his survival story.
The other big emotional moment was when 4 survivors escorted a riderless bike across the start line. The announcer said it was to represent those we lost to this disease. But he said it also represented the survivors who were escorting it. Not a dry eye in the house. Thankfully I had been warned beforehand so I was still crying but had it caught me by surprise people would have been swimming out ha.
Anyone who is going through this or is affected by canser should try to go to The Ride next year - either to participate (I know a great team...) or just to watch. It is so motivational, and emotional. You will not feel alone. You will feel like you are surrounded by family. It's powerful.
Watching my One Aim team cross the start line was exciting. I said a silent prayer to keep them safe, and to keep them swift.
The Ride also announced $7.9 million had been raised so far. I drove home thinking about all I had witnessed that morning.
Celebrating with Liz later that night was great. We got to catch up and see all the work they did on their house. The kids go to see each other too, which was long overdue. (they moved to Strathmore almost a year ago - we've seen them lots but almost been a month since last meeting) Aydan (Liz's daughter) is Emmy's "sister" (that's what they call each other) She's blond. Emmy's a redhead. They call each other Ana and Elsa lol Like we needed more Frozen injected into our lives!! It was a great night. We didn't leave till 10. Ethan was out cold 5 min into the drive.
Next morning I loaded up my sign, and myself to go cheer on my One Aimers as they came up the last ramp towards the finish line at COP. I forgot about my camera when the first few went by but then started taking pics of every One Aim rider I saw. I could pick out their riders from the special One Aim jersey's they were sporting from when they turned right to come that last ramp.
Matt and Elaine both had crashes. It sounds like about 50k in on the 1st day another rider who was passing Matt on a hill lost his "umph" to get up the hill and fell over on Matt. That hurt Matt's arm, pretty bad. But he continued another 20k! He had to end there cause it was just too painful. I know what this Ride means to him and his friend Jordan that he lost to this wretched disease. But he kept his pride (70k is amazing feat!!!) and sounds like the One Aim team rallied behind him. That doesn't surprise me. He's a warrior after what he's been through with his leukaemia journey. I told him "I guess once you're a warrior it never really goes away". He was in good spirits so I was glad.
Elaine crashed and had to dig gravel out of her leg!! She had lots of physio at camp and was taped up which allowed her to continue next day and finish. Tough cookie.
So the Ride is not only challenging, people do sometimes have mishaps. Luckily there were doctors participating this year (off the clock but they helped Elaine!!) and volunteer vehicles are around that can offer assistance if need be.
What a phenomenal weekend. I felt high driving home on Sunday and I didn't even participate!! It was a fantastic way to spend the weekend before chemo.
Since meeting One Aim I feel like they have changed my life. If (when) the Run for the Cure 5k goes well and I get the all clear in January from docs, I want to join One Aim and start training with them. Phil wants to as well. This is not the type of thing we would've ever thought about doing previously. Now I feel like we could do it if we train with this team. You really never know what life has in store for you.
You and The Ride are one of the best things that's happened to me on this crazy ride.
Thank you from the bottom of my and my family's heart.
You have a fan for life.
Stand By Me by Ben E King. Video from YouTube
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