Debbie Bland
Age: Turning 50 in 2009!
Occupation: Toronto Police Officer
Hometown: Toronto Ontario
Family: Married to Keith Bland who is a volunteer for Tour for Kids, Inside Ride, and the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.
I have two fantastic daughters and a brand new granddaughter, Miss Abbey
My biggest physical accomplishment(s) to date: Competing in several National and International hockey competitions – soon to be trumped by riding Coast to Coast
In the News: Cop on cross-country ride for cancer
In the News: Police officer to take part in Sears Kids Cancer Ride
Change your thoughts and you change your world
Since I first learned how to walk my life has centered on hockey. I grew up in a hockey family and loved every minute of it. A few years ago my husband and I were involved in a serious car accident.
After six surgeries on my right knee and ankle my hockey days came to a sudden screeching halt
Upon delivering the news, my surgeon, seeing the empty lost look in my eyes, stated that I could always take up cycling! With that simple statement a new passion was born.
My first cycling event was the 2005 Tour for Kids. What a wonderful opportunity to train and give back at the same time. I lost my Nana to cancer. She was my hero.
The event was spectacular. The sun shone down upon us each and every day of the four day ride. My fellow riders were amazing; sharing their knowledge and experience with every pedal stroke. And then we met the kids….they shared their stories of living with this disease, of friends they had made and lost to cancer, of fears and successes in their own personnel battles. We learned their names and shared their lives …………and then the children thanked us for making it better.
As I rode in solitude, those last few kilometers towards the finish, I was surprised to find tears gently running down my face. My thoughts were with the children, the reason we were all together… and I will forever thank them for making my life better. This had no longer become just a cycling event for me but rather a purpose, a cause. These kids provide all the inspiration I will ever need to continue to give and support the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation.
Sometimes we have to break into pieces to become stronger. Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
