Riding For Local Cancer Care
Bruin has many reasons for participating in the Big Move Cancer Ride. His aunts, Donna and Eileen, his uncle Mike, his cousin Lisa, himself. At only 18 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer. “It was very scary. For me, because I was only a teenager, and for my parents, because that is any parent’s worst nightmare.” Bruin was soon scheduled for surgery and needed no further treatment, thanks to the early detection. “I had a very curable cancer and the care I received is why I am here today and able to do the Big Move. Participating in the ride gives me a purpose.”
The memories of receiving a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent surgery were heavily on Bruin’s mind during last year’s Big Move Cancer Ride, and so was his aunt Donna. “It was my first time participating in the Big Move. It was more than just a challenge to me – it was dedicated to my aunt Donna, who was battling cancer at the time.” Sadly, he adds, she lost her courageous 20-year battle with leukemia on March 9th, 2024.
“I had a very curable cancer and the care I received is why I am here today and able to do the Big Move. Participating in the ride gives me a purpose.”
“While she has left a void in our family’s heart, her legacy inspires me to push forward.” Bruin decided to ride in the Big Move again this year, with the goal of raising $5,000. He had just made the choice to ride again when cancer once again impacted his family. Only a few months after losing his aunt Donna, Bruin lost his aunt Eileen to cancer as well. “She fought various cancers for over 50 years and this last cancer took her life quickly. Losing her reminded me of how fragile life is and of how cancer can turn families upside down and devastate them as it has ours.”
While Bruin himself is nearing 10 years of being cancer-free, he remains deeply connected to the fight against cancer through his uncle and cousin, who are still battling the disease. Bruin is grateful that the Walker Family Cancer Centre has been there to support them. “Without local cancer care, people aren’t going to get the services they need to at least have a fighting chance,” he says. “I am riding again because I know my aunts would want nothing more than to see me succeed. This year, I will pedal harder to make them proud and fight for those still battling this relentless disease.”
“Without local cancer care, people aren’t going to get the services they need to at least have a fighting chance.”
To Bruin, the Big Move is more than a ride. It is about community and meaningful conversations that happen along the way. Last year, he found himself riding the last few kilometres with someone he met along the way, who had lost a loved one and was struggling physically and emotionally to reach the finish line. “We chatted with each other, took our time and talked about life, and I think that’s what meant the most to me. Having those conversations and being surrounded by people who understand these situations. So many different riders are riding for so many different reasons.”
Although the Big Move is not a race to him, Bruin still likes to add a competitive element. “Last year, I raised the most money on the Niagara College team and this year, I am in the lead again as of right now. If we keep it up, we will soon join the Platinum Peddlers!”
Riding For Local Cancer Care
Bruin has many reasons for participating in the Big Move Cancer Ride. His aunts, Donna and Eileen, his uncle Mike, his cousin Lisa, himself. At only 18 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer. “It was very scary. For me, because I was only a teenager, and for my parents, because that is any parent’s worst nightmare.” Bruin was soon scheduled for surgery and needed no further treatment, thanks to the early detection. “I had a very curable cancer and the care I received is why I am here today and able to do the Big Move. Participating in the ride gives me a purpose.”
The memories of receiving a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent surgery were heavily on Bruin’s mind during last year’s Big Move Cancer Ride, and so was his aunt Donna. “It was my first time participating in the Big Move. It was more than just a challenge to me – it was dedicated to my aunt Donna, who was battling cancer at the time.” Sadly, he adds, she lost her courageous 20-year battle with leukemia on March 9th, 2024.
“I had a very curable cancer and the care I received is why I am here today and able to do the Big Move. Participating in the ride gives me a purpose.”
“While she has left a void in our family’s heart, her legacy inspires me to push forward.” Bruin decided to ride in the Big Move again this year, with the goal of raising $5,000. He had just made the choice to ride again when cancer once again impacted his family. Only a few months after losing his aunt Donna, Bruin lost his aunt Eileen to cancer as well. “She fought various cancers for over 50 years and this last cancer took her life quickly. Losing her reminded me of how fragile life is and of how cancer can turn families upside down and devastate them as it has ours.”
While Bruin himself is nearing 10 years of being cancer-free, he remains deeply connected to the fight against cancer through his uncle and cousin, who are still battling the disease. Bruin is grateful that the Walker Family Cancer Centre has been there to support them. “Without local cancer care, people aren’t going to get the services they need to at least have a fighting chance,” he says. “I am riding again because I know my aunts would want nothing more than to see me succeed. This year, I will pedal harder to make them proud and fight for those still battling this relentless disease.”
“Without local cancer care, people aren’t going to get the services they need to at least have a fighting chance.”
To Bruin, the Big Move is more than a ride. It is about community and meaningful conversations that happen along the way. Last year, he found himself riding the last few kilometres with someone he met along the way, who had lost a loved one and was struggling physically and emotionally to reach the finish line. “We chatted with each other, took our time and talked about life, and I think that’s what meant the most to me. Having those conversations and being surrounded by people who understand these situations. So many different riders are riding for so many different reasons.”
Although the Big Move is not a race to him, Bruin still likes to add a competitive element. “Last year, I raised the most money on the Niagara College team and this year, I am in the lead again as of right now. If we keep it up, we will soon join the Platinum Peddlers!”
