B.C. Cancer-Victoria’s Team Victoria-ous wants to raise money for a great cause and connect with the patients that they serve on a daily basis during the Tour de Cure.
The Tour de Cure is B.C. Cancer’s largest in-person fundraiser, It brings together more than 2,000 riders who cycle for about 200 kilometres from Cloverdale to Hope. Riders and teams look at gaining sponsorship and support and all proceeds will benefit B.C. Cancer and cancer patients across the province.
READ MORE:Pedal for Hope: Tour De Cure rallies cyclists to transform cancer care
The B.C. Cancer-Victoria staff have ridden under many names for the event. This year they have landed on Team Victoria-ous. Eight people from the centre and some outside friends make up the squad. Co-captains Deborah Cracknell and William Litchfield are very passionate about the event and the cause it supports.
“It’s such a worthwhile and needed cause. A cancer diagnosis affects so many people. And I think, and whether or not you’ve personally been touched by cancer, you certainly know somebody who has been. We all have family or friends or acquaintances whose lives have been affected by cancer,” said Cracknell, the director of operations for BC Cancer-Victoria.
The captains described this as a great bonding experience not only for the staff but also for the patients to build camaraderie while also raising funds for a good cause.
“But this is one time where we get to put a little of our bit of ourselves out there and be uncomfortable and put in that sweat equity,” said Litchfield B.C. Cancer Foundation executive director. “It gives you time to reflect on all the friends and family members that we have that are going through treatment and are going through their cancer journey
Building connections and being able to interact with current patients or survivors is something that was brought up by both captains. Cracknell said seeing the survivors crossing the finish line was very emotional and an incredible experience and described the camaraderie of being on the bike for a great cause.
Team Victoria-ous fundraising goal for this year is $30,000 and as of July 18 was well on its way to that goal, one both captains hope to surpass.
Anyone is free to sign up for this event at the B.C. Cancer website.
“When I’m out training and I think ‘oh, gosh, I’m really tired right now or my, my legs are tired or I want to stop,’ I think ‘well, people with cancer can’t just stop because they want to, they have to continue to endure the treatments and and the disease,’” Cracknell said.
Tour de Cure raised just over $6.4 million dollars last year.
If you want to donate to Team Victoria-ous: CLICK HERE
