Participating in Niagara’s Big Move Cancer Ride started out just as a way for Candida to get involved in her community. “I have lost track of how many times I’ve done the Ride, but when I first started, I didn’t personally know anyone who had been treated at the Walker Family Cancer Centre (WFCC),” she remembers. “I knew very few people who had battled cancer or had to deal with all the things that cancer brings with it for both patients and families. I enjoy cycling, and this event was just something I did to support my local Niagara community. I rode every year with my sister, my sister-in-law and my brother-in-law. The four of us did the Ride every year, and sometimes, my husband would join as well.”

As time passed, the Big Move unfortunately became personal for Candida.” Over time, I started knowing more and more people – friends, family members – who were impacted by cancer. Many of them were treated at the WFCC.” This is when Candida realized the importance of having this level of care close to home, which changed her perspective on the Ride.

“Two years ago, my brother-in-law, who had done the Ride with us for many years, passed from cancer. He had an extremely fast-moving, rare cancer. He received great care at the WFCC, but there wasn’t a good outlook for him, unfortunately,” Candida says. “And that’s when it got personal for me.”

Seeing what her brother-in-law went through was eye-opening for her. “One of the things that I learned from his experience was how scary and chaotic cancer can be. I never realized how many different departments are involved and how much coordination it takes.” Candida is grateful for the excellent care her brother-in-law received at the WFCC and that he was able to receive it close to home.

“It’s not that I didn’t see the need before his experience, but it hit home in a different way. It made it so clear that we have to do what we can to bring the best possible care to our community. That is what participating in the Big Move means to me –  ensuring we have the greatest level of care available for people right here in Niagara.”

Candida is also grateful for the WFCC’s close partnership with Wellspring Niagara, a local charity that supported her after they lost her brother-in-law.

The Big Move itself is a day of mixed emotions for her. “It’s a day that can feel heavy, but at the same time, it’s fun to be out on the road with fellow riders. It is truly inspiring to see all the volunteers who are out there, rain or shine. They’re there every year, so I think it’s a really fun way to support an incredibly important cause,” she says. “You can feel the weight but also the power of the day.”

The 75K distance is not a problem for this experienced cyclist, and it is a time to remember her brother-in-law. “I have my brother-in-law’s cycling gloves, so I always wear them. I call them my memorial gloves. When we have the wind at our backs, we always say that’s him, pushing us along,” she says with a smile.

This year Candida is hoping to reach a significant milestone – platinum peddler status. It’s a program created to recognize Big Move fundraisers who have gone above and beyond by raising more than $10,000. “That’s my goal for this year.”

The Big Move is more than just a ride for Candida. She recognizes the importance of the event’s fundraising aspect and the need for funding the WFCC. “You just never know when you’re going to need the WFCC either for yourself, your family, your friend… so get involved! Whether you volunteer, participate in the fun ride, or complete the 50K or 75K, it’s a great way to do good,” she says. “And it matters. It makes a big difference in people’s lives.”