Emotional, awe inspiring, uplifting, beautiful…
Its 8am on Saturday June 27th, 2009 and I am standing at the start line of The Ride to Conquer Cancer with my teammate Mark, his wife Suzanne and their two young children (Suzanne was diagnosed with terminal cancer Sept08). Listening to the opening address, hearing the testimonials from both cancer survivors and sufferers, I’m looking at my friends and I am trying to comprehend what they are going through. It was tremendously emotional and yeah I was blubbering like a little girl; not from pity but with admiration and empathy for those who fight and win and those who bravely lose the fight.
Being one of 1800 people riding towards the same goal was a truly fantastic experience. We were blessed with gorgeous weather and beautiful scenery over the two days. The second day proved to be a challenge for even the most experienced rider; 80km mostly uphill with the wind in your face. Mentally and physically it was very challenging, but every time I started to feel sorry for myself because it was hurting, I thought of Suzanne and people like her who face a far greater challenge every minute of every day. It was a very humbling experience for me.
Mark and I started together and we crossed the finish line together, with a few hiccups along the way. It was a great achievement, not only because we were able to drag our old bodies over the 200km course, but to say that we did our part in helping to raise 6.9million dollars for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The whole experience was a pleasure and an honor and something I will never forget. I also want to say a special thank you to all the Spa Lady members and my friends/family who generously donated.
Gary Hodgkinson is a Personal Trainer at our Canyon Meadows Spa Lady in Calgary.
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