For my loved ones
Held by Emily Bridge
Tour de Cure presented by Wheaton Precious Metals
18 supporters
By the time this year's ride takes place my sister, Laurie, will have been gone for more than a year. And it still doesn't seem real. She was diagnosed in January of 2022 with stage four colorectal cancer, and in July 2023 she was gone. We didn't see it coming, any of it. And the end happened so fast--we thought we had months, then weeks, then days, until we realized we had no time at all.
So I'm riding for my sister, because no one should have to experience what my family has. One of the things Laurie was very passionate about after she was diagnosed was raising awareness about the increasing rates of colorectal cancer in young people. She was only 26 when she was diagnosed, and she was just one of many young people currently impacted by this disease. If something seems off, find a doctor, get screened, and advocate for yourself. Awareness is growing but not fast enough; look out for yourself and each other and seek the care you need.
I'm also riding for my parents, they are both cancer survivors. They are living proof of why what BC Cancer does is so important. I ride for Nino, who passed away in the fall of 2021 after a long journey with esophageal cancer. I also ride for my sister Kate, and for myself, because I know the likelihood of us needing cancer treatment at some point during our lives is high.
And I ride for all of those touched by cancer, all those impacted by this disease that takes so much from us, whether we are fighters, survivors, supporters, or all three. I ride for those all over the world who cannot access cancer treatment because of genocide, war, and violence, or because of systemic discrimination and poverty. While the money raised by this ride supports BC Cancer, advancements in treatment here in BC, or anywhere in the world, create ripple effects everywhere--they create greater chances for survival everywhere.
I couldn't save my sister. My hope is by doing my part to raise awareness and funds for cancer research I can help save someone else. And so I ride for you all, for all my loved ones.
These are challenging times, if you are able to donate or share my fundraiser, I would be so grateful. And if all you are able to do right now is read about my reasons for riding, then I appreciate you taking the time to witness part of my story. Thank you <3
