Sent by Jeff Rushton to the riders and volunteer of the 2011 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride

To a Truly Inspirational Team

I just wanted to thank each and everyone of you for being part of the passionate, caring team that left White Rock this morning.

Ushered out by the beautiful voice of young Helen signing Oh Canada and Somewhere Over the Rainbow (coincidentally my favourite song); and inspired by the memory and power of kids like Megan, Finn, and Alex we left united in a common, purposeful desire to make a meaningfully difference in the lives of kids living with and beyond cancer.

I left totally inspired by who you have become as a team. You have transformed yourselves as part of a very caring, very power community dedicated to helping others. You remind all of us about the true, awe inspiring power that such a community can provide.

Let’s use these next 16 days to rise above our human frailties and daily ups & downs and come together to truly inspire Canadians from Coast to Coast on what can be achieved by a team like ours.

Let’s not sweat the small stuff but focus on what this event is all about.

Let’s be incredible ambassadors for the cause and smile, hug and hold those who need it most as you cross the country.

Let’s be amazing team mates always asking riders and volunteers alike “how can I help”

Let’s be gracious guests and thank the 100 or so rest stops who have put time, effort and lots of smiles into making our trip an amazing one

Let go and embrace the positive change that an event like this can have; and do so knowing you are around people who will be there when you need it most.

And most of all, let’s never ever forget about the children and families that will benefit most from what you are doing. Look up and every day, every hour, every minute see those rainbows and think about the kids looking to you for inspiration, and hope, and compassion.

I am proud, very very proud of each and everyone of you.

Feel the love!