Canadian Cancer Society

On February 11, 2017, I went with my colleague Angelika Thalib, to participate in a Spin-a-thon for Cancer. It was held at the Galleries Aylmer, in Gatineau, Quebec.  When Angelika approached me, I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive. Spinning/biking is not really my thing and on top of that it was for an hour – which I knew would be quite tough. However, it was a great cause, so I couldn’t refuse.

This initiative started in 2009, in Pont-Rouge in Quebec. Since it started, there have been dozens event held each year throughout Quebec. The money that gets raised, helps the Canadian Cancer Society fund research projects, provide information services and support services for people living with cancer.

The hard facts about Cancer

• 2 in 5 Canadian’s will be diagnosed with cancer
• Canadians aged 50-79 represent 70% of all cancer cases
• The most common cancer diagnosed in Canada: Lung, Breast, Colorectal and Prostate
• Prostate cancer is the most common among men, with 21,600 diagnoses a year
• Breast cancer is the most common among women, with 25,700 diagnoses a year

The night before the Spin-a-thon I did not have a good sleep, my daughter – for some odd reason – kept waking up every 2 hours. So when my alarm rang in the morning, I felt like I had not slept at all. I finally got up, took a shower, brushed my teeth and put on my athletic gear on. My husband wished me luck and I was out the door.

Bridgehead for breakfast

On my way, I stop at the Bridgehead for breakfast, which included a Cheddar cheese and two poached eggs on multi grain bread and a black coffee. I ate my breakfast sandwich and had my coffee on the way to the event.

The Main Event

Angelika and I both arrived at the same time, we then registered put our running shoes picked our  spinning  bikes. The event started with the announcements of the team and their sponsors. This was followed by a 5 min Zumba warm up. We were then introduced to our instructor from Spin City, who was going to lead us for the next hour. The first 15 minutes was so painful! But it got better. I just needed to reminded myself why I was there – and that made the pain of biking go away. Like many of you, I know someone that has passed away from cancer. For me, it was a friend from school, who very suddenly past away. She was so young and so close to my age that it really had an impact on me. Reflecting about my friends life, got me back on track and forgot all of my pains and before I knew it, the hour was up.

I completed the Challenge!

I’m glad Angelika invited me to participate in this  event. Like I mention at the beginning, when she first asked me I was a bit reluctant, because I was not sure I would be able to finish the challenge. But I am so glad that I did go and did complete the challenge! It turned out to be a great event, with so many people showing up to show their support.

This was a great start to my weekend!