The thoughts and memories of family powered an Okotoks resident on a grueling ride through the Foothills this weekend.
Cancer has hit several members of Todd Martin’s family and he kept them close in mind over two days on his bike for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
“Cancer ran through our family in the last two years, it’s a bad word in our family,” he said. “Some we’ve lost, some are still fighting and we have two that survived. I was riding for all of them.
“I channeled their energy coming across from Millarville on those hills. With that head wind I needed to channel that energy.”
Okotoks marked the midway point for the two-day event Aug. 12-13.
It took Martin five hours to complete the first leg from Calgary Olympic Park, through Bragg Creek to Okotoks and back.
The event raised more than $6.7 million for the fight against cancer.
Martin rode as part of team NOV, which raised more than $160,000.
He was surprised how much support he received as soon as he started fundraising.
“I put an email out to friends and family, and colleagues to raise $2,500 and I had that met within a week,” said Martin. “I thought it was going to be weeks or months. Everyone came out to support the cause and support my ride.”
Martin ended up raising just under $3,600.
“Donations are still coming in today and funny thing is that my wife posted the updates on Facebook and donations continue to come in today,” he said.
It’s the longest ride Martin has ever completed. He was invited to join the team by a fellow Okotokian who had been in the ride previously.
The ride isn’t just a physical challenge, it’s also an emotional test, said Martin.
He had a lot of people on his mind during the ride.
His aunt who raised him was lost to cancer, as was a second aunt. He has a cousin who survived and three other relatives are currently fighting cancer.
“This morning was quite emotional at the opening ceremonies, I can only imagine what that release, when you’re drained, I can’t imagine what that’s going to be like,” said Martin.
Myka Osinchuk, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, said each of the 1,500 riders participating in the event have a similar story to share.
“Everybody here has a personal story,” she said. “One in two Canadians get diagnosed with cancer, that translates to 43 Albertans every day hearing the words ‘you have cancer.’”
Crossing the finish line is an awesome experience for everyone involved, said Osinchuk.
“To see them come in and family and friends are waiting for them, just the emotions, it’s an incredible experience,” she said.
Osinchuk’s father was diagnosed with cancer days after she took up her position with the foundation.
“I know how important it is to support research, I know how important it is to support care and improve the experience cancer patients have,” she said.
In it’s nine years, the event has made a significant impact in the fight against cancer, raising $67 million.
“It’s absolutely huge,” said Osinchuk.
The Alberta Cancer Society is the fundraising partner for the province’s cancer centres.
Whether it’s for research, treatment or patient care, Osinchuk said the funds raised by people participating in the event make a big difference.
She said people have the ability to direct their donations to specific areas. Sometimes it’s general and sometimes it goes towards efforts to combat a specific type of cancer that affected a loved one.
“It really allows us to invest dollars in Alberta in research, enhanced care, treatment to help Albertans who are facing cancer,” said Osinchuk.
