Local residents Ray and Lisa Brown will be joining roughly 3,000 other participants in this year’s two-day Ride to Conquer Cancer on June 7 and 8.
The couple team has named themselves the “Cancer Crushers”.
“Everyone I know is touched by cancer. It could be a co-worker, a friend or a close family member,” said Lisa.
“For us it is a mom, dad, aunt, grandma … and the list goes on. It is likely I will experience some form of cancer in my lifetime and my biggest fear is my daughter will experience it in her life.
“My goal in doing this ride is to raise funds to help with research. There has to be a cure, it doesn’t make any sense to me that in the year 2014 we are still fighting this disease.”
All the money raised at the ride goes to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The ride is roughly 211km long in total, and the first day will begin at Exhibition Place in Toronto. The riders will ride to Hamilton, and then set up tents and camp out at Mohawk College. There will be a band and dinner for the riders.
The second day will begin early in the morning with a ceremony, and once the riders hear the big blow horn, it will be time to get back on their bikes and continue the ride to the finish line in Niagara Falls.
“We’re doing the ride because our life has been affected by cancer. It’s hard to find anybody that hasn’t been affected by it in some way,” said Ray.
“There’s a long list of people we know who have battled cancer in the past.”
Ray participated in the ride six years ago, but told the Advertiser at that time he mainly signed up for a challenge. This year, he has more invested in it.
Ray’s father, Ray Brown Sr. battled colon cancer in 2012, and fortunately he is now cancer free.
Lisa’s mother, Janet Oakman of Elora, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2012. She started with chemotherapy, had surgery last April, and underwent radiation for the whole month of June.
“As far as we knew, it was gone,” Oakman said.
Then, in November she began having what she thought were flu-like symptoms that wouldn’t go away. She had been to a doctor several times, and finally had a CT scan, which revealed a brain tumor.
Within two days of having the CT scan, she was transferred to Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, where they removed the tumor.
“The health care team moves very fast when they have to,” Oakman said.
Oakman had radiation and finished chemotherapy three weeks ago.
“We’re waiting to hear the results to see where to go from there,” she said.
In order to participate in the ride, Lisa and Ray need to raise a minimum of $5,000.
“We would like to raise more than that, but that’s our goal for now,” Ray said. “Anything on top of that would be great.”
To help raise the funds needed, Ray and Lisa have organized a dance at the Elora Legion on April 5.
“The more awareness and money we can raise in our lifetime to find a cure, will hopefully help people so they don’t have to go through it like our family did,” Ray said.
The dance will begin at 8pm, and will include a live band, pizza and a silent auction, with items donated from local businesses.
“We’ve gone to local businesses and asked them for support. The support from the community has been great so far,” Ray said.
“We’re hoping more people take part in the dance to not only help raise money and awareness for the cause, but to also have a great night.”
Tickets are $10, and can be purchased directly from Ray and Lisa by calling 226-384-7979 or emailing rmbincal@hotmail.com.
“I am doing this ride because I feel I need to do my part. The last two years have been a roller coaster of emotions and worry. Preparing for the dance and the ride helps me stay positive. If I did nothing then, in essence, I have given up hope,” Lisa said.
“I am extremely hopeful for my mom and everyone fighting this disease. While the medical care has been outstanding, I believe my mom’s spirit and positivity towards life keeps her fighting this disease. She is the strongest woman I know and if anyone can fight cancer, it is her.”
Ray told the Advertiser that many people and families support ride participants by holding up signs, banners, clapping and cheering for them as they ride through the communities.
“It’s a pretty emotional event. It’s amazing seeing people cheer,” he said.
Oakman noted that although it will be a busy day, “I hope to be at the finish line cheering them on, we’re very proud of them for doing this,” she said.
“You don’t know how well you’ve raised your kids until something like this happens. It’s pretty special.”
