Big move cancer ride

The roads of Niagara will be awash with cyclists this weekend. Not an uncommon occurrence. But a large pack, upwards of 700, will be spinning their wheels for a common goal. Money to benefit the Walker Family Cancer Centre. Maria Hayes has the details.

“Other than when the kids would say ‘come on Dad get on your bike and come out for a ride’. No, I’ve never been an avid cycler myself.”

But in 2 days, Scott Tyndall will be setting out on a 100 km route in Niagara as part of the Big Move Cancer Ride to benefit the new Walker Family Cancer Centre in St. Catharines.

“To know that my family, my children and grandchildren will have this facility. To have close to home. Hopefully they’ll never need it.”

Scott hopes he won’t need it again. In April 2011, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

“Typical male we sometimes put our heads in the sand and don’t look at all the signs. Or it will go away, or no it can’t be me. I don’t have cancer. I won’t have cancer. It comes as quite a shock.”

6-months of chemo and several surgeries later, Scott is taking part in his second Big Move. The cycling event initiated in 2009 was to fund construction of the Walker Family Cancer Centre. Now an existing facility, the fundraiser will help enhance cancer services.

“Things like diagnostic assessment programs as we have in lung and breast. We’re now thinking prostate and colorectal cancer. A focus on research which has always been a part of what we’ve done. Even in a community based hospital program.”

Dr. Janice Giesbrecht is the Head of Oncology in Niagara. Also an avid cyclist. She says hospital staff, patients, and the community at large are helping to grow the big move. Because in the end, cancer touches everyone.

“One of our oncologists was one of the heroes of last year’s ride. He’s a survivor himself. He treats patients. And he took up cycling. And the last several years, he’s done the 160km bike ride and raised funds for what we all have invested in our community and cancer care here. Because it affects us all.”

Since it began 4-years ago, the Big Move has raised $1.7 million.  Organizers hope to surpass the $2 million dollar mark this Sunday.  To register or to make a donation, you can visit their website.   www.bigbikecancerride.com