One week has passed since the conclusion of the 2009 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. But has it really concluded, or is this just the beginning?
Yesterday, (Canada Day) I was volunteering for a local group in Kingston (The Iron Cops) who support children with cancer in our community. Looking at all the kids, kids just being kids, made me think of all the towns and children we met and why we did and will continue to do to promote the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. A lot of people came up to congratulate me on completing the ride and it was nice to see that after a week, people haven’t forgotten about the ride. They said that they were reading the blogs of the National Riders or listening to the radio to get updates.
I watched the video of Josh Nelson during the past week and I guess the only thing I can say, it was truly motivating/inspiring. Josh is a very courageous and smart young man. The words I will always remember when he spoke in Burlington will be “ride for me, until I can ride with you”. I have shared this experience with many people in my workplace and when I say those words, emotions are shared. I have invited people to go onto the site and watch the video, it’s amazing.
For me, the ride will never really be over until we have a cure for Childhood Cancer. Megan and all the other children I met along the way will be my strength to never forget about the importance of the ride. This is just the beginning.
Once again, thanks to all who volunteered, donated, or participated in the 2009 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. If you would like to reach me, please email me at: kcross8@sears.ca.
Keep peddling – and ride until they can all ride with us.
I guess the only way I can share about how I was feeling today is emotional. 12 days, 7000 kms and 163 communities later, I(we) have completed this journey to create awareness and raise money for childhood cancer. I’ve been asked, are you glad its over? My answer to that is I have just completed Chapter 1 and I will now be moving to Chapter 2. I have dedicated myself to make people aware of childhod cancer and I will support the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation for future events. Does that mean I will be a National Rider in 2010, please stay tunned.
Over the 12 days I have met so many people, from large and small communities. I appreciate all those that came out, volunteered, provided food for us, etc.. I truly thank all those for there help in our journey.
For all the Sears assocties, SLH employees, Kingston and surrounding residents that put time, money and effort to my fund raising, I would like to say thank you. To date we have accumulated over $65,000 (with an additional $5,000 cheque that will be received when I return to Kingston). My heart is overcome with joy to know that people care and that we can raise so much money for a great cause.
On June 13, 2009, I had the opportunity to dip my tires in the Pacific Ocean. Today, I was able to dip those same tires in the Altantic. This is a big accomplishment and I am proud that I completed this journey, but it will be all for not if people don’t embrase this cause and share their experiences. This is how the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride will grow to an event that all Canadians will know and understand.
Thanks Jeff and Louisa for choosing me to be part of this journey. Thanks to Michael and the volunteer staff for your support along the way, GO TEAM 1. Thanks to all my teammates for being who they are: Peter, Ed, Al, Heather, Laurie, Sharon, Christian, Brian, Tim, Janna, and Dene.
Thank you, Thank you and Thank you for following this blog. My wife has made the trip to Halifax to celebrate the conclusion of this journey. Dinner will start soon, so I should go, but, this will not be the last blog.. I will continue to share in the experiences over the next few days before I make my way back home.
To my daughters. Your dad will goto the end of the earth for you. This is no exception. I love you.
We got on the road this morning at 7am and rode our way to Capele where we were met by great people. They brought us hats and flags which represented their Acadian heritage. We then ventured on to PEI. We were shuttled across the bridge and then made our way to Charlottetown where we were met by a lot of Sears associates and friends who are supportive of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. We had a great last full day and will cycle from Lower Sackville to the Halifax Sears store and then on to the hospital tomorrow. We we then dip our tires in the ocean at Point Pleasant Park.
We are looking forward to tomorrow so tune in for the conclusion of our journey.
The day started off with a great breakfast at he Place D’laurier Sears store in Quebec City. We were greated by Sears employees and enjoyed their hospitality. We made our way to the Quebec hospital to where we were privileged to meet a young woman who was diagnosed with ALL speak about her battle with cancer and provided us with some words of encouragement that we will have good days and bad but you’ll push through the bad. Marie was 12 years old.
From there we left the hospital to go to the Sears store in Levis where again we were greated by Sears associates and had the opportunity to meet a man who joined the ride, Jerry, who rode with us to Mont Magny. Jerry, who was over 60, has competed in 7 double ironman competitions and holds the world record for his age group. I think we found a 2010 National Rider. After his treat of cheese curd the group carried forward to St. Alexandre de Kamouraska. The group battled 30 plus km an hour head wind which challenged the riders. We felt like we were back in Saskatchewan.
We will be moving forward to Moncton to do our second last day where we will ride from Moncton through PEI.
Today was a special day for me because it was Father’s Day and I was able to spend it with my family during the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. For the brief time I was there I soaked in all the love from my three kids and my beautiful wife. One moment I will never forget was when my family came out of the van, our eyes met and my two year old daughter ran to me. It seemed like it was going to take a long time for her to get to me with her little legs and her Dora flip flops but when she got to me she gave me the biggest hug and told me she loved me. I was also greated with presents from Leah and Megan that will always remind me how precious the are. For a moment I was a little selfish because it was time being spent with my family but I soon refocused because what I am doing is not just for Megan but for 10,000 other kids like Megan living with cancer.
After seeing lots of family and friends gather in Kingston and the many, many stage riders whom I am so grateful for their participation we made our way to Old Fort Henry and Gananoque. We had one stage rider cycle all the way to Manotick and I think we are looking at the newest 2010 national rider….
We finished at the St Laurent Sears store in Ottawa to a fantastic dinner. We are now on our way to Quebec City to start our next day.
To all those following me on this blog, Kingstonian or not, thank you so much for your support and following along with the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. Remember that we are all planting seeds to watch this fantastic cause grow so that one day thousands of people will participate in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride and with that we will hear the words we have found a cure.
Please donate, donate, and donate….
Saturday’s ride started with rain and ended with the sun coming out. It reminded me of the pain children and families have to go through when they are told that their child has cancer, but, like in our families situation, the sun does come out and brighter days are ahead. Megan, you are a fighter and you will overcome this disease. You are a “Ray of Hope”. We started our day in Woodstock and went to several stores leading into a visit to Sick Kids Hospital. Woodstock, Burlington, Oakville, Sherway Gardens and then Sick Kids. Many celebrations at each stop, many riders going the National Team to come into Toronto. Of the many cyclists to join us, we had 2 VIP’s - Steve Bauer and Curt Harnett. I had the pleasure of riding with Steve for about 5 minutes and he was happy to hear that Megan was doing well. I spoke to Curt at Sherway Gardens and he was sorry to hear that Megan was diagnosed, but we happy to hear that she was in remission. They are suppporters of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride and they want to help beat this terrible disease. Each store had it’s own special ceremony to introduce local dignitaries, and ambassador children. Each stop provided riders with much needed nutrients and supplies for the days ride. To all the stores, thanks so much for your support, it was greatly appreciated. Riding into Sick Kids Hospital was unforgettable. The number of people who showed up to support the ride was truly amazing. I was greeted by 3 employees from Sears who had seen me at the Town Hall meeting on Friday May 29, 2009. They mentioned that they volunteered their time today because they were inspired by my presentation. I thanked them for coming out and told them to please share the experience with their friends so they too can understand the importance of the ride. I’m so happy that these 3 employees from HQ came by and said, Hello. Thanks for helping out on the special day. We were also introduced to many children today with Cancer. To all this kids, we are here, we are not leaving, we are on your side, and we are going to battle this together. Stay strong and keep the faith. You are all my friends. I was happy to see family at a few spots. Thanks to Jamie, Jo, Emily and Ashby for coming out to Brantford and Tim, Suzie, Owen, Muriel, David, Katie, Matthew and Garred for coming out to Burlington. We are now off to Kingston for the night and moving towards Ottawa in the morning. I can’t wait to see my 3 kids, my wife (who has supported me over the past 7 months- 27 hours of training per week) and my parents, brothers (and sisters in law) and nephews. We are coming. Wishing everyone an early Father’s Day.
Due wo some unexpected breakdowns the team was back on track on Day 07. We started the day at he Sears Store in Sault St Marie (with a breakfast put on by the Comfort Inn - thank you so much for the hot meal.. much appreciated).
We made our way East on Hwy 17 and our first stop was in Thessalon, ON and at Lake Side Park (a tent and trailer park) put on a meal for us there. We were introduced to the Manager of the Park (Chris) who was about 27 has been cancer free for 13 years. When he was diagnosed he lived in up north and needed to be treated in Toronto. The Ronald McDonald House was full and his parents needed to fly in weekly to stay with him. He mentioned that it pretty much tapped his parents out of money. He was so greatful that we stopped by and happy that we are making people aware of childhood cancer and its importance to raise money for research and programs.
We then made our way to Spanish, ON where we stopped for some lunch. As I sat down to eat an employee from Scotia Bank came over and asked what we were doing, after exlaining our cause, she had a cheque for a donation ready from the employees at the bank. That’s awesome. Total population of Spanish was about 1200 people. We then were introduced to the local Spanish River MotorCycle Club. They were great and were surprised at the weight of my bike. It was a little lighter then the Harley’s they had.
After a great break we made our way to Espanola, the final city in our journey for the day. After arriving we packed everything up, had a quick shower at the local recreation centre and made our way to a local park for a picnic dinner. The salads, rice and chicken was great.
We are now moving forward to Woodstock to start the day 8 journey into Toronto. Should be a great day tomorrow.
A specaial thanks to all the volunteers and hosts that stay up late, wake up early to ensure that we are taken care of and ready to cycle everyday. Thanks to all the businesses that provide all the services (ie. food, showers) to keep us going. Thanks.. Thanks.. Thanks..
Please remember, tell your friends about this cause, share the stories of the riders. Childhood cancer is an important cause, so please donate.. donate.. donate, come out to the Cataraqui Town Centre on June 21 at 8am and support the National Riders from across Canada. Thanks..
