Cycling event rolls in with record $14.5M to fight cancer
June 14, 2009
Comments on this story
(2)
Jasmeet Sidhu
STAFF REPORTER
At only 25, Sonya Gusikoski was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Now, 10 years later, she's not only celebrating being cancer-free by racing in yesterday's Ride to Conquer Cancer, but bringing a hefty cheque with her.
Gusikoski personally raised $53,000 of the record-breaking sum of $14.5 million for Princess Margaret Hospital at this weekend's cycling fundraiser. Organizers say that it's the most money ever raised by a Canadian cycling event.
"I used the power of email, I had a whole lot of loving supporters, and my compelling story," Gusikoski told the Star at a lunch stop 72 kilometres into the race. Gusikoski's mother died from cancer several years ago.
Several thousand bike-riders were making their way to Niagara Falls yesterday in a quest that will take them two days along a 200-kilometre route in southern Ontario.
"It's amazing," said Bob Bell, CEO of the University Health Network, which includes Princess Margaret.
"Last year we did really well, and we figured in this economy we're facing we might not match that this year. But we beat last year's record," Bell said.
The thousands of cyclists taking part yesterday were in good spirits, many motivated by either a personal connection to cancer or a determination to find a cure, he said.
Last year cancer killed 72,700 people in Canada.
Gusikoski, who is taking part despite the fact she only has one lung, hopes the money raised will help future cancer patients. "One day I hope we have better options than what I had to go through," she said.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer will move to cities across Canada this summer. More information can be found at conquercancer.ca.
Toronto Star
Featured Sponsored Listings