Ed Person
Age: Celebrating 50 years in 2009!
Occupation: Manager, Whitewater West
Hometown: Resident of Coquitlam, BC
Family: Married for 15 years
My biggest physical accomplishment(s) to date: Surviving cancer!
In the News: Help blossoms
In the News: Coquitlam man will ride across Canada for a cause
In the News: Person rides 70 km a night
Cancer - Together we will make a difference
My passion for cycling emerged gradually over the past few years. It began when colleagues at a local technology company convinced me that commuting by bicycle was not crazy and that they actually enjoyed it. I thought it was worth a try, picked up a bike and began to leave the car at home. Motivation was not a problem as my route allowed me to travel though parks, trails, and enjoy great views of the mountains. I was hooked! The chance to enjoy the outdoors, improve my outlook on life and lose a few pounds has kept me going ever since.
The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride came to my attention last year in a news article as the national riders departed from Vancouver. The idea of the ride resonated with me immediately as it tied important threads in my life - a history of cancer, a passion for cycling and a love of the Canadian outdoors – together into a formidable challenge aimed at helping children with cancer. By the time the riders got to Kelowna, I had submitted my application for the 2009 ride.
My connection to the cause began just over 10 years ago with a visit to my doctor. He told me that I had synovial sarcoma (a rare form of cancer that begins in the synovial fluids) and would have to begin treatments immediately. Fortunately the BC Cancer Agency assembled a great team to work with me, and after months of treatments I was back in action. Of the images that stay in my mind, some of the strongest are of children that were undergoing treatments. I saw kids demonstrating tremendous courage and an attitude to life that was awe-inspiring. One girl in particular built a model of her house and was playing with her friends and family while undergoing countless hours of hyperbaric treatments. She displayed an amazing sense of who she was and showed us all how to embrace life.
My motivation to participate in the ride comes out of my experience as a cancer survivor. As one who has faced the physical, mental and emotional challenges, I feel it is important to share my story. The visit to the doctor is not necessarily a death sentence as there are committed, talented people working to help you with your struggle. Cancer can be beaten. I want to demonstrate, by example, that one can overcome the obstacles and go on to a lead meaningful, productive life – even to the extent of taking on challenges like cycling across Canada!
Please support me in my quest to raise awareness of, and raise funds to battle, childhood cancer. You have my commitment that I will make every effort to overcome the challenges and make the trip a success. I truly believe that together we can make a difference in the lives of our children.
“That which we witness, we are forever changed by, and once witnessed we can never go back.” (Angeles Arrien)
