Wendy Vrooman

The Ride for Cancer.....the last one!

The Grand Finale for The Ride for Cancer

This is the last year for the Ride and I want to make it count!  I am hoping to raise more funds than I have in previous years as well as have a memorable last ride.  I ride in memory of my younger brother, Dave.

As many of you know, I started participating in this event in 2021 when Dave was battling cancer.  He was a gentle soul, loved the outdoors and animals and was so incredibly funny.  On one of my visits to see him he admired my sunglasses and bought the same pair.  It was the last photo I have of the two of us. I look at that photo often. I wear his now when I ride as I think they make me go faster.  Heartbreakingly, my beloved Uncle Barrie (and Dave’s cancer buddy) lost his battle in August of that year and then my sweet little brother lost his battle also just a couple of months later.

Almost five years later I still find myself wanting to give him a call to tell him something funny or ask him something about something.  And then I remember.

Last November to honour the anniversary of his passing in a positive way, I gave out Tim Horton’s cards to those who looked like they could use some warmth, and on his birthday this year, my sister and our kids got together for brunch.  Honey, you will not be forgotten.

I ride for those I have lost to cancer, my brother, uncle, father, grandmother and for those warrior-survivors my cousin Victoria, Sandra M, Wendy O, and too many more to name.  My Auntie Nan is facing down cancer for the second time and she is coming out swinging!!!  

Dave, my days of scream-crying while riding on my trainer in the winter are ‘mostly’ over, but there are still so many things in life I wish I could share with you.  xoxoxo

Rest easy…..I got this.