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Where Are They? »
- Group 1: Moncton
- Group 2: Woodstock
- Group 3: New Glasgow
Schedule »
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* Gray Boxes Indicate Ride Along |
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Group 1 |
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Sears - Moncton |
6:00 AM |
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7:30 AM |
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8:40 AM |
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10:40 AM |
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1:30 PM |
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Group 2 |
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7:00 AM |
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8:30 AM |
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10:10 AM |
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12:00 PM |
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6:30 PM |
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Group 3 |
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7:00 AM |
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10:30 AM |
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1:30 PM |
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3:00 PM |
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Day 11: June 23
Register for a Ride Along Event
Team 2 Day 11
Moncton Event
We were humbled by the presence of these indiciduals - both the riders as well as support group.
We opened up the Store as there was a little rain, and had everything inside. The riders had washroom facilities and food for their start.
With the fact that they arrived very early in the am and were awakened by some "fresh riders" from Moncton too early, their dedication and spirits were an inspiration to us all. My Team was there at 4:30am readying the Store for these people - and all have again volunteered their time next year.
This ride portion was dedicated to Sean Collins - son of Chris Collins from Moncton who lost his young battle to cancer two years ago. Chris spoke very strongly about his son, and the comments were all taken to heart.
Thank you for riding for the kids – past, present and future.
”Ride for the kids who are battling cancer now. Ride for those who will be diagnosed in the future; and, Ride for me until I can ride with you.”
Josh Nelson (15 years old)
Burlington, Ontario
Lynne Jenkins, also a 2008 National Rider helping on the road for the 2009 ride, has this quote as part of her email signature block.
It really captures the spirit of the ride. Everyone on this list has ridden for Josh and all the kids he talks about. Very few are on bikes – it’s a compassionate, committed army that provides the infrastructure that enables the ride and supports the cause.
In very difficult economic times, you have been absolutely ingenious in raising funds, providing delicious food and building awareness about this horrible disease and the impact on children and their families. I think the riders stopping at your locations became a reason to celebrate what can be accomplished. We know from the videos, pictures and reports a lot of celebrating took place!
Thank you.
Sharon and I were at Sherway Gardens in Toronto on Saturday. The rain did not dampen the enthusiastic welcome.
James Herman spoke about his daughter, Melodina. Kathryn Peeters, an amazing 16 years old spoke about her journey with brain tumours. As a result of her first tumour and surgery, Kathryn is legally blind. While talking about the tumours that have been removed, as well as those that are inoperable, Kathryn brought a candor, humour and perspective that only a teenager could! She had the crowd in tears, then laughing.
Both Kathryn and Melodina are 2009 SNKCR Ambassadors. Please meet them and the other ambassadors at http://www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com/en/national-kids-cancer-ride/ride-along/ambassadors.html
Melodina met the riders last year at Sick Kids. It was her wish to ride with them this year. Given that she was an elite athlete who had actually passed her black belt in Karate while ill, her family and friends thought this was possible. Melodina passed away on January 10, 2009.
Last November, she gave a speech about her illness and the difference that is already happening because of the funds that you are raising. I think you will agree that she and Josh shared a perspective.
"Without the outstanding people sitting in front of me today, this would not be possible. The funds that you provide the foundation allow it, and because of this we can touch so many. My father cycled in the Sears Kid’s Cancer Ride fundraiser, people we barely know, and even some people we’ve never met, through our friends, were donating funds that can make patient life better. Doctor Sheila Weitzman of Oncology and Haematology was able to diagnose my cancer, of which I am one of the first seventy five documented cases, was able to come up with the diagnosis because of the funds donated for research. We should be extremely thankful that these donations give us the funds to have some of the top researchers in the world and keep them to keep improving patient life… “All of you have been touched by Sick Kids, whether through the perspective of a patient, a parent, a friend, a family member or some other way… "Remember, “Impossibility is nothing, but nothing is impossible.” Without your donations we would not be where we are today. From the bottom of my heart, and the hearts of many other children and their families, thank you. You truly are extraordinary individuals."
The ambassadors answer a questionnaire. This is what Melodina had to say.
Tell us what your message is to our riders, volunteers, sponsors and all Canadians: My watchwords are “Strength” and Courage”. We will win this battle as long as we all continue to fight it together. The children need you. They are inspired and borrow strength and courage from your efforts. Thank you.
Share with us any other personal thoughts: “I am grateful I got cancer, I am truly grateful. I could never have know how strong I could be without cancer.”
It took months for Melodina to be diagnosed (I think 22, but I could be wrong) – the same diagnosis now takes a few weeks. Her dad, James, has maintained a blog (http://teenwithcancer.blogspot.com/). You will smile as you read about his adventure as a participant in the ride on Saturday. You will also meet Jesse Porter, Melodina’s boyfriend. Jesse is an official, invaluable member of the 2009 SNKCR crew.
At Sherway, Sharon and I were able to meet up with everyone – all three teams were back together! I had not realized until I saw familiar faces how many of the crew were also back from last year: Jenn, Pierre Luc, Des, Gordon, Mike, Jim, Michael, Bob, David, Steve, Reina, Bob, and Terry. Dan wasn’t there but his “home away from home” bunk trailers were. Imagine knowing how hard it is from 2008, then volunteering for another three weeks of being away from your family, sleep deprivation, exhaustion and constant moving! And they are already talking about next year!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow is the last day of the 2009 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. Where did the time go?
Thank you for riding for the kids – past, present and future.
Sharon and Susan
Home Stretch - from Terry and Carl
It’s been an exciting weekend in the Hoddinott and Vancer households as Terry and Carl cycled through their hometown (London) on Friday. There were lots of hugs exchanged and the guys got to sleep in their own beds for one night, which recharged their batteries and renewed their spirits to carry on to Halifax. They endured the soggy ride to Toronto on Saturday, as both families cheered all the way. The Sick Kids stop was especially meaningful for us as this is where Riley and Katie were treated for Retinoblastoma, and the ride was extra-special as their Ophthalmologist, Dr Brenda Gallie, was in Toronto to ride along with the team! Team 3 rode to Woodstock, NB tonight fighting the wind all the way. Terry didn’t have much energy today but got through the day with Carl’s great help. Only one more long day as they ride from New Glasgow to Lower Sackville NS tomorrow. They finish their ride in Halifax on Wednesday, where a huge celebration is planned. Louise and Kids are already on the road, following the team along the route. Katie and Riley and I will be flying to Halifax tomorrow to await the team’s arrival on Wednesday. The kids are SO sad to be done school early - NOT! Can’t wait to see the guys! Patti,Home Support Crew
Early Weather Report for June 23
- Group 1:
- Moncton: Light Rain, 14, Wind NE 15 kph
- Charlottetown: Cloudy with showers, 20, Wind NE 15 kph
- Group 2:
- Woodstock: Cloudy with showers, 15, Wind N 15 kph
- Salisbury: Showers, 17, Wind NE 10 kph
- Group 3:
- New Glasgow: Thundershowers, 16, Wind NE 5 kph
- Lower Sackville: Thunderstorms, 18, Wind E 10 kph
OUR AMBASSADORS
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