The last day of the 3rd annual Sears National Kids Cancer Ride; an incredible, inspirational journey with one single minded goal: to raise sustainable funding for kids cancer research and pediatric oncology support programs in each and every one of the 17 hospitals across Canada licensed to perform the vital services that continue to keep more kids suffering from cancer alive with a better quality of life. A 15 day journey that is just the start of a destination beyond cancer

As in years past we were humbled, and honoured to play host to this incredible event and to meet the incredible national riders and national volunteer who along with 56 corporate sponsors, 192 rest stops who welcomed the national team along their 7,000 km journey, and thousands of average Canadians proved, once again, the compassion of Canadians can never be under estimated.

Raising over $1,500,000 for kids cancer research, the national team taught a nation that a few committed people can truly make a meaningful difference in the life of a child.

From each and every one of the events our Foundation hosts I learn something special, and this year is no different. This year, and this event in particular touched me like no other; and the reason for this was simple. I saw the personal impact this event can have.

I saw the transformation in national team members who understood -  truly understood – the power that ONE PERSON can make in the life of a kid with cancer and in turn engaged in amazing feats of fundraising and community outreach.

I saw a transformation in our relationships with the charities we support and the power of truly working in tandem to make meaningful and substantive changes in the health outcomes of kids with cancer. And once again I saw the awesome spirit and strength of the hundreds of kids cancer survivors we met along the way. Regardless of the disabilities that the cancer had left them with, the kids came. They came to ride with us, they came to speak and support us at community events, and they came simply to support what we were attempting to do. To them and to the national team a huge and personal thank you for dramatically reinforcing again for me what is important in our life and how much we all get when we give to others.

To the national team thank you for your commitment, your passion, and your fundraising. You are all truly remarkable people. To the 192 rest stops and the thousands of volunteers who helped along the 7,000 km journey: words can’t express the gratitude for the way you welcomed us, fed us and brought your communities together to support the cause. To the thousands of Canadians who donated to the cause, thank you for your ongoing support and generousity as it was you who helped us reach the $1,500,000 goal. And finally to our incredible sponsors, your financial and personal support make this event possible and allowed us to ensure that, once again, 100% of the personal donations made by Canadians go directly to the charity our Foundation supports.

This year’s event truly touched more Canadians than ever before and left lasting impressions that will have a very real, very tangible impact in raising the awareness of childhood cancer in Canada. I speak for all the people involved in the event when I say we are truly blessed and deeply proud to have such a wonderful caring community.
You have our commitment to continue the fight until parents no longer hear the words “your child has cancer”.

And if you want to get involved, as a sponsor, or a volunteer, or an ambassador family or someone who just wants to help send me a note at jeff.rushton@ctcacf.org. We would love to have you join the fight until we are at our destination; a Destination Beyond Cancer.

Your friend,

Jeff Rushton
Founder & Very Passionate Volunteer, Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation