After three years of virtual rides due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kids Cancer Care was able to once again bring participants together to take part in the Cycle Challenge Ride of Courage event to help raise money for kids affected by cancer.
From July 14 to 16, 42 cyclists took part in the Ride of Courage, travelling from Water Valley and Cochrane and back. The group charity ride raised over $260,000 and will support children by helping them attend Camp Kindle, located just west of Water Valley.
Diagnosed with cancer at 15 and now the lead event organizer of the Ride of Courage, Madison Tutt said the event holds a special place in her heart. She added it brings her joy knowing that she has made a difference in the lives of others.
“I hold Kids Cancer Care and Camp Kindle in my heart very closely,” Tutt said. “It makes me so happy that I can make a difference in the kids’ lives that are going through it now.”
The fundraising goal for each participant is $1,500, which according to Tutt, is how much it costs to send one child to camp. She said the impact the event has on children and their families is enormous.
Tutt said Camp Kindle is a safe place for children undergoing treatment or for those who have compromised immune systems. She noted it allows children and their families to feel stress-free, without the fear of getting sick while away from home.
“When they're going through treatment, they don't often get to go do things because of that compromised immune system,” Tutt said. “At Camp Kindle, we're able to make sure the space is accessible to them and safe, so their parents don't have to worry about if they're going to get sick at camp.”
After Tutt was diagnosed with cancer, she said she had the opportunity to attend Camp Kindle. She said doing so gave her the opportunity to meet others experiencing the same battles she was going through. She noted those relationships have since turned into life-long friendships.
Even though the Cycle Challenge Ride of Courage is over for this year, Tutt said they are still accepting donations. She said regardless of the amount people donate, every bit makes a difference in the lives of children.
“You're more than welcome to make a donation,” Tutt said. “Every dollar matters to us.”
Paul Boucher, who was a volunteer that helped organize the event this summer, said it is a fulfilling experience to listen to families share their stories.
Taking part in the event the past 14 years, Boucher believes in the importance of giving back to the community. He added he finds it personally rewarding and meaningful to help raise money and awareness for a good cause.
“I find it so rewarding, so uplifting, and so meaningful,” he said. “Just being able to see the results of what you've done and to have the actual people that are benefiting from it out there thanking you and cheering you on, it's probably my favourite weekend of the year.”
Anyone looking to learn more or help support the Ride of Courage can go to kidscancercare.ab.ca. According to the website, next year's ride is already scheduled to be held from July 12 to 14, 2024.
