‘Thank you so much Nana’
Woman rides in support of grandson who has gone through cancer battle
She rode for her father, mother, father-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and aunt, but Karen Vogt decided to specially dedicate her cancer ride to her grandson, nine-year-old Jeremiah Vogt. Jeremiah was diagnosed with cancer of the retina at only 18 months old.
On Aug. 26-27, riders hopped on their bikes for a two-day 250-kilometre adventure from Vancouver to Seattle.
Vogt joined 40 other riders and crew members from the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North and hit the road to help raise funds for the annual Ride to Conquer Cancer. But this wasn’t just any bike ride for Vogt. “I’ve always loved biking,” Vogt says. “But 20 years ago, I was found on the side of the road with a terrible injury.” The main goal for Vogt was to face her fears. “Despite living in fear, my main goal was to face it,” Vogt said. “But I also saw the ride as an opportunity to support, remember and honour loved ones who lost their lives to the scourge of cancer or survived their cancer diagnosis and treatment. It was a perfect combination of two things, a personal accomplishment.”
And it was her grandson Jeremiah who kept her going to the finish line.
“It felt fabulous but I knew it would be difficult. I just took my time and I was motivated by my responsibility,” Vogt said.
Jeremiah, along with his sister Faith, decided to help with fundraising efforts in support of their grandmother.
The two opened up a lemonade stand for cancer, raising almost $500.
“They were so proud of me. And Jeremiah was so happy to be a part of this.”
Jeremiah has retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer which usually affects children under five years.
When diagnosed, Jeremiah’s cancer was already advanced with his retina completely detached from his eye, providing a clear path for cancer to spread to the rest of his body.
“The prayers of people in Prince George and around the world asked God for a miracle and Jeremiah is alive and well today and looking forward to his 10th birthday,” Vogt said.
“When I finished the ride, he said ‘Thank you so much Nana.’”
For Vogt, approaching family and friends for a financial contribution was a component of joining the ride.
“Thanks to many corporate sponsors who take care of costs associated with the actual ride, 100 per cent of each rider’s fundraising efforts go directly to the B.C. Cancer Foundation/Cancer Agency,” Vogt said.
Each rider was committed to raising a minimum of $2,500.
So lemonade was up for sale from two eager grandchildren and passersby were excited to donate after the kids explained their grandmother’s purpose.
“This is the fifth year that a group from the north has joined the Ride to Conquer Cancer raising almost $140,000 this year and over $600,000 over five years since the inception of the group,” Vogt said.
Even though the ride is over, anyone is invited to donate to the cause until Oct. 27.
“By supporting me or any other rider, you are supporting continued quality research and improved cancer treatments in British Columbia.”
Jeremiah recently underwent another surgery but today is back at school and looking forward to Grade 5.
“He’s doing really well. He had issues with his eye socket but those issues have been solved. He’s now back with a big beautiful eye.” Vogt’s personal goal is to raise $10,000. To donate, visit www.conquercancer.ca/goto/ wheelinwarriors2017.
I just took my time and I was motivated by my responsibility.