2018 marks my fifth year riding with the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley Team. It has been an amazing journey for a cause close to my heart that is difficult to convey in words. Cancer has touched many members of my family. Some have won the battle and some have lost it. Some are living with lasting effects from childhood cancer treatments, which has significantly impacted their quality of life. I would like to do what I can to help increase awareness around cancer prevention and raise funds to eradicate this awful disease. No donation is too small. Just think it could be your dollar that funds the cure!
Your support goes beyond funding childhood cancer research. It also funds Camp GoodTimes in Maple Ridge. This is an amazing camp where children battling cancer or who are in remission can go and experience camp in an environment where their needs, including medical, are taken care of and they can feel normal. They do not get questions about why they have lost their hair, have scars on their bodies, look frail or do not feel good. Rather, they are surrounded by other kids who have lived or are currently living their experience and get the opportunity to share their stories in a safe environment. Feeling normal is so important. Getting a boost and feeling better helps them in their cancer journey. After all, a healthy mind = a healthy body. This is so important for kids going through the battle of their lives and living with a severely compromised immune system. The kids I have met who have been to both Camp GoodTimes and Disneyland have unanimously stated Camp GoodTimes is better than Disneyland. That is saying something!
Cops for Cancer is heavily involved in school engagement. We get out and educate children on cancer prevention, encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle by challenging them to be active, and promote volunteer and community involvement through fundraising activities.
I understand there are many causes out their to support. I respect people's personal decisions to choose. What I ask is how many people do you know who have not been touched by cancer? I suspect most of you know several people. How many charities have this level of involvement in the community and reach this level of impact? The choice is yours to give or not.
The reality is we cannot do this without your support. Please donate any amount. No amount is too small.
Thank you for your support!