My name is Jeff Gregory and I'll be participating in a 2-day major cycling event called The Tour De Cure. (Formally known as the Ride To Conquer Cancer) this coming August 2023. The weekend consists of over a thousand riders cycling 200 plus kilometres during these two days. The event is sponsored by Wheaton Precious Metals and all the proceeds will go to BC Cancer Foundation to support cancer research, treatment, and services. BC Cancer Foundation is a leading comprehensive institution devoted to cancer research and care, and the work they're doing is cutting-edge. We all have our own reason for doing this ride and I would like to share with you why I do it.
It was in the summer of the year 2000, my life had changed forever. My father had called me inside to tell me that Shaun had passed away. At that moment I felt like my heart had dropped into my stomach. To hear those words, your brother had died, changed my life forever. Losing a loved one is never easy, but losing a brother is heart wrenching. Shaun and I had are ups and downs, just like any sibling would, we were family and will forever love him and Ill NEVER forget that. Having to sit there and watch your brothers weight drop and help him when he was sick, a deep dark helplessness came over me. We could do nothing but make him as comfortable as possible until his suffering had ended.
For the longest time I would wonder what I could do to help find away so that no one would loose a brother or a loved one again. And in 2010, 10 years after Shaun passed; I registered for my first BC Ride To Conquer Cancer. With a lot of hard work fundraising and little training I was unsure what to expect. I have to admit, on my first ride I thought about giving up. It was a challenge, as I was just beat on the fist day just after the lunch pit stop. I felt defeated, when I thought I couldn't push another pedal stroke, I looked down to see a photo of Shaun taped to my bike with a note saying, "KEEP PEDALING FOOL" then something happened at that moment. Like a fuse lit in my head and heart, if Shaun can keep a smile the whole time he was in treatment and try and fight the biggest fight of his life. Then why the hell can't I climb this hill. I can and I will!!
Crossing that finish line on day 2 was a great achievement for me, not just me, but for Shaun and all the yellow flags flying from the fighters and survivors on the ride rout. After that day I said I will to this again. I must do this again, and I did in 2012, 2013, 2014, and again in 2015. After taking two years to reflect and think about important things with my life, I'm back for the 2018 and 2023 Tour de Cure. To sign up for this ride it takes a commitment, and a will to end this heartbreaking disease.
Part of the ride is that each rider must agree to raise $2500.00. I have set a personal goal of $3000.00, and ask if you could consider making a small donation to help with my fundraising. With your help, I know I can make it to the start line once again. Please share this incredible adventure with me by supporting my fundraising efforts; we need to beat this horrific disease. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
I wish to leave you with one quote from a great man and an inspirational rider,
"If one person can make an impact, then thousands can conquer"
Thank you again.