Brady Murphy's Story

Greetings to all who may read this, 

My family has been plagued with cancer of various types back as far as the genealogy can trace - lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer - the list goes on. Many of my family members have been fortunate enough to have survived bouts with this deadly disease and in many ways it has shaped our relationships, both positively and negatively. My grandmother, grandfather, and two of my uncles have all battled cancer in my lifetime and I suppose I should be prepared for the possibility of facing the proverbial dragon myself one day! 

In January 2006, my uncle succumbed to Cancer three months after being diagnosed with a tumor the size of a fist in his lung. As anyone who has gone through it before can testify, there's a certain sense of disbelief that hangs in the air when the verdict comes down. My uncle was like a father and was a crucial part of my life growing up and losing him has been very, very hard for me and the rest of my family. Always lighthearted, full of life, and willing to give of himself, my uncle was an exceptional man and an inspiration to many- I still think back to all the instrumental times that he played in my youth, but his passing has shaped me almost as much if not more. Sadly, my grandmother and my uncle passed away only weeks apart (my grandmother of natural causes), and it prompted me to take on a new challenge which has defined my life for the last 3 years. Since then I've done a fair amount of research into cancer, its causes, and new prospect for treatment and I'm confident that the tools we need to effectively eliminate cancer are on the horizon. I graduate this spring with a Bachelor's degree in Science and I have an interview in a few weeks for acceptance into the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba! I'm looking forward to an opportunity to help people in much the same way that my family has been helped over the years by those in the medical profession, but I'm also excited to get involved in crucial research which may help to see the elimination of this disease within my lifetime. 

Some people have labeled me an optimist but I take that as a compliment- it can be hard to be an optimist when you or your families life has been touched by cancer. To all of those out there who've lost someone who means the world to them, or know someone who's battling a devastating illness; keep your chin up, and let their resilience and courage be an inspiration to you. I've learned well that life is ours to do with as we see fit, and time is always against us - but my advice is to live each day to its fullest and enjoy the gift you've been given 

In memory of my uncle, the J. Michael Waldram memorial fellowship program has been set up to encourage aboriginal youth to get involved in post-secondary education in natural resource management. For more information, please see http://www.cif-ifc.org/site/jmwf

Thanks for the opportunity to share my Story. Above is a picture of my uncle Mike Waldram 

Brady Murphy 

Together We Ride............... along with Brady, his family and Mike Waldram

"A Injured Lion Still Wants to Roar" -Randy Pausch

A quote by Randy Pausch whom was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer struck me for the second time, "An Injured Lion Still Wants to Roar". In the case of Chase the Cure, these injured lions will roar. I have currently been accumulating stories from those whom have been, and currently are affected by this disease to share and show Canadians why we need to unite together and fight back against this terrible disease. The names of those who submit the stories will remain not stated, and will be posted both in my blog, and hopefully on the website nearer to the ride. If you would like to submit a photo of your loved one feel free to do this, these people I would like to honor on Chase the Cure as we know how tough this disease can be on patients as well as families. I encourage you to submit your story, if you do not mind being recognized please let me know!

Together We Ride

Enjoy a shorten form of the Last Lecture below (10 Minutes):


Enjoy the Full Version:

Youth Movement In Winnipeg

Over Christmas there were a lot of finely dressed, young women and men doing their part to Chase the Cure. Two girls approached me earlier this year asking if they would be able to put together a 'Benefit' formal for Chase the Cure. Ecstatic about getting the youth in Winnipeg involved I watched this event grow into something extremely special.

The night consisted of Chase the Cure posters which they had made themselves (I might say they looked great), Red and White Balloons, and Chase the Cure colors and brochures everywhere. Parents of the youth showed up in full force to help with the event, also to take donations at the donations table set up. This table sold $400 dollars in Never Alone Wristbands and pins. These youth of Winnipeg danced their night away, socialized and overall I had the impression that everyone in attendance; even the security whom was a friend of mine had a great time being apart of this event.

I would like to thank those who were involved in organizing this event, as I am truly proud to openly talk to other youth and inspire them to Chase the Cure along with you. I would like to thank everyone who donated, as well as everyone who came out to the event to help Chase the Cure!!!!!!

Together We Ride,

Kelowna University Students Chase the Cure

The very first fundraiser of Chase the Cure took place in Kelowna BC at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. With less than a weeks notice, the students of the University of British Columbia Okanagan responded. Speakers, Musicians and plenty of support all arrived in full force for the night. We had around 6 different musicians get up and play several pieces, and some fantastic poetry in front of around 80 students. 

I asked one question in which the response always seems to set me back. I asked the people of the room "How many people in this room have been affect by cancer directly, or indirectly through family or friends to please raise their hands." Every single hand went up in the room. I spoke of how cancer had affected me in my life and why I had decided to do this ride not merely for that but rather every single person affected by this disease. The amount of support I received after my talk in terms of people telling me their stories about how Cancer affected their life and they support Chase the Cure 100%, as well as the hugs shared set for one beautiful evening. 

The night was absolutely set when one students father asked me if he could get on the mic and say a few words. He went up there and talked about how cancer had affected him and has affected every single person in the room. He gave kudos to those who had gone up before him speaking, and preforming. He Challenge the students who showed up to donate and dropped a $50 dollar bill in the donation bin and walked off stage. This generous action was given a generous response by the students of the University of British Columbia Okanagan raising nearly $500 within 2 and 1/2 hours. 

I would like to thank those students who came out to this event and showed their support and your the reasons that this ride will be a success. I would like to thank those who helped organize this event and let them know that their dedication to Chase the Cure has not gone unnoticed but is rather very much appreciated. 

Together We Ride, 

Wes Bauer 

Chase the Cure Photoshoot

LIGHTS CAMERA SMILE!!!!!!!!!    

The Chase the Cure photo shoot took place at the beginning of December. Overall the photograp

her shot 117 shots some extremely fun filled but others holding awkward poses. The Chase the Cure photoshoot was supported by several volunteers who gave up their time and hauled their bikes down to the studio to be photographed! Overall we had 15 people of all ages with helmets, bikes, and a fantastic smile. These photos will be used on posters for Chase the Cure as well as our website and should be seen shortly! 

I thank everyone who put fourth tremendous effort to not only organize this but show up on an extremely cold day!!! 

Together We Ride 

You Are Amazing! Thank YOU! Together We CAN Accomplish So Much!

It is truly amazing to sit back and look at the support the Chase the Cure program has around it. I have amazing people helping me with this huge endeavor and tremendous support from everyone who has joined the Facebook group and others outside of this. I would like to thank everyone for this on behalf of the Chase the Cure team!!!!! 

This support is part one of two of the inspiration behind the Chase the Cure team. 

Truthfully the success of Chase the Cure depends on everyone supporting the Cancer community! Without you this ride would not be happening! I encourage everyone of you to continue to talk about Chase the Cure and lets literally make this ride as large as possible. I am a firm believer in a team effort in any situation. In Chase the Cure the citizens of Canada are the true leaders on the team, they are able drive this fundraiser to its full potential. If anyone is thinking that they are not able to help this ride in anyway, simply tell at least one of your friend about it and hopefully that friend will tell another into a snowball effect. If you are feeling up to it please invite all of your friends to join the facebook group "Chase the Cure". 

My second inspiration comes from all of those affected by this tremendous disease. Whether it be a individual diagnosed with any form of cancer, or the family and friends of a patient effected by Cancer. These individuals continue to strive daily and do not give up. They continue to fight every minute of the day and do not get any rest from the fight. They are the true heros. 

"Do We Choose Our Journeys or do Our Journeys Choose Us"

Together We Ride, 

Wes Bauer