Name: Siobhan McManus
Age: 24
Occupation: Commerce Student
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Family: Single
Your biggest physical accomplishments to date: Subaru Ironman Canada 2009
Ride your Bike for the kids who so desperately want to but can't
In 2009 I participated as a ride along marshal from Kelowna to Vernon. Just as we were about to head out for the ride a young boy, only 7 years old, took the microphone and told his story. He talked about the necklace he wore. The necklace was made out of different coloured beads. The beads went from his neck right down to his toes. His necklace was made of his 'Beads of Courage'.
Each bead represented a needle poke, a chemo treatment, a surgery, etc. My heart absolutely broke while he shared his story. He remembered that his favourite time at the hospital was being let out of isolation to enjoy his fourth birthday.
Recently a colleague of mine's son fell ill with cancer. He is only 5 years old. What I have seen this family go through is devastating. I cannot imagine going through this as a child. I cannot imagine being a parent and watching your child endure this disease.
The good news is we can make a difference!
We have a responsibility to help these children and these families. We need to get on our bikes and ride for our health, and ride for all of the children that want to so desperately to feel the freedom of childhood and ride their bikes but cannot, because they have to endure childhood cancer. I know that I can make a difference, and so can everyone else, in their own way. Please support me on this journey. Let’s give these kids the best childhood we can. Let’s help their families cope. Let’s make childhood cancer history together!
"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." Christopher Reeve
