On August 26th and 27th, I will be participating in the Tour de Cure, a 200 km bike ride to raise funds for cancer research at BC Cancer. This challenging yet exhilarating journey will bring together a community of dedicated individuals, all united in our mission to support ground-breaking research, innovative treatments, improved care for BC cancer patients, and for me as many others, honour someone we have lost.
This cause holds a deeply personal significance for me. I recently lost my beloved mother Ali this past February after a courageous two-year battle with combined Hepatocellular and Cholangiocarcinoma, a deadly and rarely reversible toxic combination. Witnessing her physical and emotionally painful journey has strengthened my resolve to make a difference.
I was raised in a household that dedicated a lot of time to cycling. Both my parents and my brother, Josh spent many hours training and travelling, both competitively and recreationally. My mom dedicated her summer mornings to watching the Tour de France. I so vividly remember her waking up at the crack of dawn, yelling at the TV and so passionately following along. Since my mother's passing, my sister Bella and my brother Shai and I have taken up cycling. Not only to keep her memory alive but to all in unity, participate in this bike ride. By raising funds for cancer research, we honour her memory.
I am still deep in grief and am finding it so challenging to pick up the pieces. My mom was my rock, my life, my best friend. I am wholeheartedly dedicated to making a difference and your support will have a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families that receive the same devastating cancer diagnosis that we did.
Thank you for considering this cause close to our hearts. Your involvement will bring hope and inspiration to those facing cancer and contribute to life-changing advancements in cancer research.
Should you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can pedal toward a cancer-free future!
Again, many thanks!
Briana