Nalewajek family rides for Filomena
CANCER FUNDRAISER: Team remembers mother, wife
Ron Nalewajek and his family have some tired legs and happy hearts, knowing they completed the tough two-day Ride to Conquer Cancer in memory of their beloved wife and mother, Filomena.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer this weekend had 1,687 riders raise $7.1 million for the B.C. Cancer Foundation. It is the eighth annual ride and it started in Vancouver on Saturday and ended Sunday in Seattle.
For the Nalewajeks, it was a special weekend as they lost Filomena to cancer seven months ago. Funds raised through B.C.’s largest cycling fundraiser help support cancer research and enhancements to care at the B.C. Cancer Agency.
In eight years, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised more than $77 million. The annual event brings together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise for months in order to be ready for the 200-kilometre ride.
Nalewajek, who did the ride last year, said this time the conditions were much better. “We did it last year and the weather was terrible,” he said. “This year the weather has been great.” Nalewajek put together a team in memory of his wife. Daughters Mara, 28, and Gina 36, were on team Fight4Fil.
The team also included Nick Fishbane, Tim Morris and Ruaidhri Devery. Relative Tasha Sawchuk, who lives in Abu Dhabi, was the other team member.
Last year Nalewajek raised $33,000 and this year the team pulled in $46,000. For his fundraising efforts, Nalewajek was given a polka-dot jersey.
“None of us usually does more than 70 to 80 kilometres in one day,” he said of the extra distance they covered over the weekend.
“It is so inspirational to be among these riders who all have a personal connection to this disease,” said daughter Gina.
“Last year my mom was home after the ride. This year is different,” added daughter Mara.
In March 2015 Filomena was diagnosed with small-cell carcinoma and had seven rounds of chemotherapy at the B.C. Cancer Agency. But after three months, the cancer spread to her brain and she died on Feb. 4, World Cancer Day.
“The experts we support at the B.C. Cancer Agency are recognized internationally for work in advancing research and enhancing care,” said Sarah Roth, president and CEO of the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
“Together, this passionate group of riders is fuelling breakthrough studies that offer new hope to patients.”
Roth, who is also an avid cyclist, said “you hear all kinds of stories” of those who participate.
“There are lots of survivors and others who have lost family and friends.”
More than 26,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year in B.C.
“The ride is about bringing people together to make cancer a manageable and eventually curable disease in our lifetime,” Roth said.
“Silver Wheaton is honoured to be the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Ride to Conquer Cancer and we congratulate our fellow riders for an outstanding effort, supporting breakthrough research at the B.C. Cancer Agency,” said Randy Smallwood, president and CEO of ride sponsor Silver Wheaton, and captain of The Silver Bullets.
“I have been personally impacted by cancer along with thousands of B.C. residents, employees, friends, and family members, so completing the more than 200-kilometre cycling journey every year has become a mission for me and Silver Wheaton.
“We are proud to support the B.C. Cancer Agency and are dedicated to helping conquer this disease with the Ride community,” Smallwood added.
Organizers released the dates of Aug. 26 and 27 for the 2017 event.
To register go to conquercancer.ca or call 888-771-BIKE.
“Last year my mom was home after the ride. This year is different.” — Mara Nalewajek