REZ RUMBLES A SUCCESS!!!!!

Friday March 20,2009 marks the day the residents of the University of British Columbia Okanagan competed each other in physically challenging events. Teams composed of home base residence Kalamalka came out on top. 

Within all of their efforts these students raised awareness as well as generating funds. It was a wonderful event in which the students proved that anyone can make a difference in the fight against cancer. 

This is What Being Part of a Team is About

BASKETBALL GRADE 7 hoopsters at Macdonald Drive wear their hearts on their jerseys in support of a sick teamate

ROBIN SHORT 

The Telegram 

Since 12-year old Michael Smith was diagnosed with cancer a month ago, he's not only received support from family and friends but from an entire basketball community. Michael is a member of the Macdonald Drive Grade 7 boys' team, a close-knit unit which has accompanied their ill teammate every step of the day. 

For the past couple of months, the St. John's native had been complaining of fatigue, and hadn't been sleeping well. Last month, a small lump was found on his neck. Shortly afterwards, Michael was diagnosed with Hodgkin's 

"Some of the boys knew," said the team's coach, Kevin O'Leary, "because a lot of them are friends. And a lot of the parents know each other."

"Still, it was a shock to the boys to hear it. I know my young fella (Liam) found it hard." 

As a sign of support for his friend, Liam had his head shaved. Others are expecting to get a buzz cut when the fourth annual Real Time Cancer's Shave for the Brave is scheduled.

"It's not only our team," said O'Leary. "A number of other teams have shown gestures of support. 

"Last weekend, we held a tournament at our school. We were playing St. Peter's (of Mount Pearl) in the final an at halftime, the St. Peter's team presented Michael with a big card and gifts. And there have been other teams, like Mount Pearl Intermediate and Beaconsfield, who have given him gifts as a sign of support." 

A couple of weeks ago, a parent one of the Macdonald Drive players, Darlene Mullowney, came up with the idea of designing a patch which the players could wear on their jerseys. The patch is adorned with the Canadian Cancer Society's daffodil, Michaels No. 14 and the words, 'Team up to support Michael.' 

"We collected $5 dollars from each player to pay for the crests, and when we we went to pick them up, Ultragraphics gave them to us for nothing," he said. 

"Its another example of the support Michael's been getting. If there's one thing positive to come out of this it's the support he's receiving has been overwhelming." 

rshort@thetelegram.com 

The Truth... My Thoughts

Two Wheels & Handle Bars....

Many have questioned me in regards in what I believe the toughest part of Chase the Cure will be. Mainly my reply is the ride is not the difficult part, as it is not about the ride. As they prod further though to ask what will be physically draining, each area of Canada poses its own difficulties: 

 

The Mountains: The Rockies most definitely contain some very tough climbs, but with every hill you travel up, you eventually get to travel back down. The Coquihalla High presents the largest climb 

The Prairies: Generally most believe the prairies could be the easiest section, yet with a headwind this assumed "walk through the park" can be turned into the toughest section of the ride 

Ontario Hills: Ontario actually has some very tough hills and pose a extremely tough challenge during this ride 

The Unexpected: To be honest I fully do not know what to expect from Quebec and the Maritimes as I know that my body will be tired by that point and the going could be difficult. 

I know that the entire ride I will remember that what my body is going through is extremely easy, compared to those whom are fighting this disease, night, and day being my inspiration to keep going for them! 

The Outstretched Hand....

What worries me the most is the one thing that I am unable to control. I can control my fitness, I can control the organization of the ride, the one thing I cannot control is the awareness of Chase the Cure through word of mouth. It completely depends on everyone who knows about this ride. Word of mouth is the most powerful way to get a message across, and everyone who spreads the word is truthfully making a tremendous difference in this fight against Cancer. I greatly  appreciate everyone who has already told all of their friend about Chase the Cure. I encourage everyone to come out when we are in your area and ride with us!!!! 

The Emotions....

This is probably one of the most unexpected situations within the ride we will face. The emotions of the ups and downs, the people we meet and the stories we hear. I really hope that I will be able to capture these through blogs, and vidoes in order for you to see everything we get to see, as well understand the emotions when it comes to dealing with Cancer. 

Hope to see everyone on the Road!!! Please spread the word of Chase the Cure, and lets together youth, adults, and elders make Cancer a thing of the past. 

Together We Ride  

Chase the Cure T-Shirt Designs

So Folks here they are!!!!! Now I need your help! I need you to comment on which designs that you enjoy and would love to wear on your body!!!!!!! If you can please leave a comment arranging your favorites, or just state your favorite!!!!!!!!!  Your suggestions will be highly valued. 

Lastly I need to send a HUGE thank you out to Connor Gould and the boys of paradime who designed these AMAZING TEES. Their clothing is unique, creative, quality and it was a delight to work with them. Check out their website at http//:paradimemyshopify.com . I hope you enjoy checking out the tee's. Have a fantastic day and remember Together We Ride to defeat this disease!!!!!!! 

Engulfed in Waves

Have you ever felt lost in a sea of people? I know that early this year for the first time in my life, lost in a sea of people in Vancouver British Columbia. I walked around Robson Street and felt engulfed by the waves of people. I begin to question myself in how am I ever going to reach out to those in cities such as Vancouver to inspire them to make a difference in the fight against cancer, and Chase the Cure. I came across a writing earlier this year that reassured me. It is gruesome in ways, but at the same time holds the truth.... Here is a excerpt from the book 'The Tipping Point' by Malcolm Gladwell. 

"One of the most infamous incidents in New York City history, for example, was the 1964 stabbing death of a young Queens woman by the name of Kitty Genovese. Genovese was chased by her assailant and attacked three times on the street, over the course of half an hour, as thirty-eight of her neighbors watched from their windows. During that time, however, none of the thirty-eight witnesses called the police. It became the symbolic of the cold and dehumanizing effects of urban life." 

This in turn was later dubbed the "Bystander Problem" (Named by Bibb Latane & John Darley.) Through a series of tests they proved that the knowledge of others being around a situation like Genovese the less likely people will take action; as they feel someone else will do something to correct it. When it is just one other person, they will take action the majority of the time and prevent the situation from worsening.

When a thought strikes your mind, whether it be as simple as a piece of garbage on the ground, or putting on a event for Chase the Cure, and you think "Why doesn't somebody do something about that." Stop and realize that you are somebody and you can make a difference. It is amazing as actions speak larger then words. You never know how much you may effect another life. You may inspire another person to feel okay with something as simple as picking up a piece of litter or you may inspire someone to speak out for what they believe as Martin Luther King did. Everyone of us has potential to make a difference small scale or large scale, we just need to believe. 

For me Chase the Cure has no way anything to do with me, as it requires the effort of so many.

Bottom line without Canadians pulling behind this event, the support shown in Cancer Centers will not be as grand. So together lets be somebody and inspire others to Chase the Cure   Remember when you feel like you cannot do anything to make a difference, just look to the person next to you and try and inspire them in some form. It does not need to be words, it can be a simple action or gesture. 

"I Always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody" -Lily Tomlin 

Fight Against Cancer.....Create a Event!

Chase the Cure is not about the biking across Canada, but rather Canadians coming together to fight back against this disease. I really cannot see a better way of honoring those who have passed from this disease, supporting those who currently are effected by the disease, and fighting back against the disease by putting a event on in your local community. I encourage you to indulge in the process of creating a event, be creative, have fun with the idea, and make it enjoyable..... after all we only have so much time on this Earth.
Whether it be within a Community Center, a team, school, group of friends, do what ever you can to fight back against this disease. Lets together support those whom have and are being effected by cancer, and end this disease once and for all!


If you would like to consider creating a event, please email me at chasethecure@gmail.com and I will have a events package sent out to you! If you would like to match up times when Chase the Cure will be in a area near you, please let me know through email in advance!


Donate.... Raise Awareness.... Fight Together

Together We Ride,

A Great Event In Cranbrook British Columbia!

In Cranbrook British Columbia there are a group of difference makers in the fight against Cancer. The Avalanche Girls of the College of the Rockies made a difference in the fight against Cancer.

These girls created a event called 'Paint the Gym Pink' at one of their home volleyball games. They encouraged as many spectators as possible to come out and raise awareness in the fight against cancer. They handed out Chase the Cure brochures, and showed their support of the ride. The girls sported pink warm up jerseys, as well as wearing them after the game while talking with spectators.

These girls effort in the fight against cancer is to be absolutely commended.

Chase the Cure.....spread the word