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

Nick Laping

Mr. Nick Laping (1942-2009)

It was early February I was informed that a familiar face in the corridors of my high school, Nick Laping had been diagnosed with acute leukemia (this form of cancer affects the white blood cells as well as other organs).

I was fortunate to meet Nick late in my grade twelve year. I remember my introduction to him, it felt as we had known each other for years. His friendly smile and openness to make you feel important is something I will never forget. I only hope I can transfer this to my own life.

I remember I was in Nick's son (Jeff Laping a teacher at St. Paul's) English class, and I had racked up the courage to speak of my fathers diagnoses in front of the entire class. I finished my speech with "After seeing my father go through this disease, I know that my father is one of the toughest dads out there". Jeff responded with my Father (Nick) is tougher than yours.

I know for a fact that Nick was a tough man, it was directly shown through his passion when it came to raising funds for St. Paul's High School through the Phone-A-Thon to allow others who may not be able to attend St. Paul's due to financial reasons to have the same experience he had while he was a student at St. Paul's. He showed his passion when it came to basketball, whether it be March Madness, a Pipers game, or Crusader game Nick was always there in full spirit supporting the students playing on the team. Most importantly Nick showed passion for life, and his family.

Nick unfortunately passed away February 26, 2009. One thing I know is that Nick had the ability to leave a positive impact on everyone he met, no matter how much time he had spent with them. There is only one quote that comes to mind when thinking of the brief time that I had to get to know Nick "No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever" (Francois Mauriac)

I've known from the beginning of this ride that I would never be riding alone, this just adds to that statement. I know that Nick will help push the pedals across Canada, bring courage to Canadians to band together in finding a cure to Cancer, and to support those who are/have been effected by this disease like himself and his family. I know Nick has already set out the proper people to watch over his family, and he will in turn be watching over them.

I ask everyone to continue to spread the word of Chase the Cure, so we can work to end this terrible disease that takes the lives of so many we love. I ask everyone to spread the word of Chase the Cure so we can support those who are going through difficult times with cancer. As Canadians we have tremendous power and ability to accomplish whatever we want.

Together We Ride....... along with Nick and the Laping family

"If You Set Your Mind to a Goal, Then You Can Achieve It" -Patrick Hughes

Patrick Henry Hughes is a inspiration to us all. Growing up completely blind and unable to walk from birth, Patrick took what many call his disability, and claimed these to make him able. He is a enthusiastic young man, who participates in the Louisville Marching Band, and has written his own album called "Most requested from me to you"

One of the reasons Patrick really grabbed my attention was not within his story, but rather his attitude towards life.

"My main message, to not just people my own age, but to everyone. It does not matter what disabilities you have, or what problems you face on a day to day basis, if you set your mind to a goal, then you can achieve it." I hope that Canadians can find this attitude towards life in themselves.

Get Back Up!

Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs. Yet words full of inspiration to anyone who hears them. His main goal is to give hope and inspiration to others.

I came across Nicks video from a friend, and was immediately taken back by this 25 year old man. His speeches are not only moving but provide the inspiration to all to keep trying and no matter what the circumstances are, do not give up.

Please take the time to look at Nicks video, its only 5 minutes long and is extremely motivating:

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,