Day 2 picking up my bike... displaying all my cards.

Thank you cards for suppliers that donated prizes for my annual raffle

 

These will be my thank you cards going out to all suppliers that contributed prizes for my raffle draw which raised $5,300

Picture arriving at finish line and the Toronto start... more to come once the ride posts the pictures

 

Arriving in Niagara Falls 115kms on Sunday

Wow we were riding in the wind for two days!!

 

 200 cards with names of people affected by cancer attached to my bike during the 215 kms from Toronto to Niagara Falls

Picture from the Toronto start on Saturday all the yellow flags represent cancer survivors and the gold helmets are 5+ year riders ..

Displaying the cards at the finish line

Sunday Morning Team photo

 

I'm hiding in the shadow....lol

HEME Team raised $82K

 

Saturday at the start line with Shannon

One of the Captains of our Team..

Breast Cancer Survivor

Sunday Morning TEAM photo

 

Together we raised $82K

 

Sorry for the late update will post more pictures later.... What an amazing weekend!!

WOW I did it!!! completed 215 kms

So proud to be a part of this Event 4253 Riders raised $17.3 Million

HEME Team raised $82K we had a team of 23 riders

My sincere gratitude to all my colleagues and sponsors this year I raised just under $14K

 

These 200 names on the cards were  in "Honour", "Support", or "In Memory". of someone affected by cancer. For those who may have lost their battle but not forgotten.

 

And for little Arianna her picture was on the back of my jersey both Saturday and Sunday.

 

Good Morning World

all dressed ready for Day1 at the start line

waiting for my 22 team members😊

1 day left - Who will help me reach my goal???? and have a chance to win $500 thank you gift

Each person who donates $100 

Your name will automatically entered into a draw which will take place once I reach $15,000..

Currently there are 5 people in the draw....

http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/BarbaraVallis

Winner  will be posted on my blog and notified by e-mail

The winner will receive the following as a thank you

$50 Keg gift card

Zero Gravity lounge chair 

2  tickets Toronto Blue Jays vs Detroit 

July 9th Section 113BR /Row 19 /Seat 4 & 5 

Golf for 2 @ Mayfield Golf Club (18 holes)

Every dollar raised is already making a difference in someone's life.

Please leave a comment and let me know who you would like me to ride for

 

Thank you for helping me reach my goal :)

My ride this weekend will honour 180+ individuals fighting this terrible diease and all those gone but not forgotten..

 

Only $1150.00 from reaching goal -  for everyone who donates $100  your name will be entered into the draw currently there is 5 people  see details on previous blog  (Value $500)

 

Dedicating my ride this year to 5 year old Arianna who was diagnosed last October with Leukemia

Also this year I asked everyone to fill out cards or provide me the names they would like me to ride for. In "Honour", "Support", or "In Memory", of someone who has been affected by cancer. Currently have  180 + names on cards that will be attached to my bike riding a km for each person.   

These are just some of the cards that will accompany me on my ride this weekend 

 My heartfelt gratitude for allowing me to ride for your  loved ones, colleagues and friends. Honouring all those fighting and all those gone but not forgotten!

Thank you Telus for your generous donation

 

Special thanks to TELUS for donating the latest IPAD and to all my colleagues who purchased tickets for the May 27th  Raffle which raised a total of $5,300

 

Words can't express my gratitude

 

TELUS Logo on my team jersey for the Sunday ride to the finish line

 

I will also be adding Canada Cartage logo to the team Jersey.  Will add both logos to my Ambassador Jersey will post once completed.

Only require 11 more donations - will you be the winner???

Each person who donates $100 

Your name will automatically entered into a draw which will take place once I reach $15,000..

Currently there are 5 people in the draw....

http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/BarbaraVallis

 Winner will be posted on this site and notified by e-mail prize will be delivered next week 

The winner will receive the following as a thank you

$50 Keg gift card

Zero Gravity lounge chair 

2  tickets Toronto Blue Jays vs Detroit 

July 9th Section 113BR /Row 19 /Seat 4 & 5 

Golf for 2 @ Mayfield Golf Club (18 holes)

Every dollar raised is already making a difference in someone's life.

My sincere gratitude for all your support

Big ticket items $500 value - Donate $100 for a chance to win

Each person who donates $100 will be entered into a draw as a Thank you for your support that will take place the end of day that I reach $15,000 currently there are 5 people in the draw....

http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/BarbaraVallis

 

 Winner will be posted on this site and notified by e-mail prize to be delivered next week

 

The winner will receive the following as  a thank you for your support!!

$50 Keg gift card

Zero Gravity lounge chair

2  tickets Toronto Blue Jays vs Detroit

July 9th Section 113BR /Row 19 /Seat 4&5

Golf for 2 @ Mayfield Golf Club (18 holes)

Every dollar raised is already making a difference in someone's life.

My sincere gratitude for all your support

Update Only 4 days left -- looks like rain this weekend :(

This is what the start of ride looks like during opening ceremonies

I have reached 90% of my goal of $15,000

Currently in 47th place for individual fundraisers in the top 100 :)

 

Our team has 23 riders have raised $75K

 

Every dollar raised is already making a difference in someone's life.

Received my Jerseys for the ride.. - 5 days left

Ambassador Jersey will wear on Saturday

Team Jersey will wear on Sunday..

Logos will be put on this week will post an update once completed

Canada Cartage Logo

Telus

Picture of Arianna

 

Once last EPIC Event... to get me to $15,000

Each person who donates $100 will be entered into a draw that will take place the end of day that I reach $15,000 currently there are 4 people in the draw....

 

Don't miss out...

4 items in prize pack 

$50 Keg gift card

Zero Gravity lounge chair

2 more to be announced once confirmed.

 

Every dollar raised is already making a difference in someone's life.

Wow!!! Thank you Trevor -- only $1,309 from reaching my $15,000 goal

Special thanks to

Trevor Theissen London winner of the 50/50 has just donated his winnings to my ride.

Words can't express my gratitude

 

 

Update -- I'm cleared to ride...

Good News!!!

 

I'm riding June 11th and 12th

 

Diagnosed a few years ago with Osteoarthritis been told I have a high tolerance for pain since I don't take medication.  I try and maintain a healthy lifestyle thanks to my vitamix and juicer.

 

My body was telling me something wasn't right after the injection finally was told last evening not only have nerve damage in the left knee...I have tendonitis in my lower left leg and knee.

 

Cycling is good for the knee since there is no impact only when I get off the bike it is painful walking.. My pain is nothing compare to everyone fighting Cancer..

 

I will be riding in "Honour", "Support", or "In Memory", for everyone who has been affected by Cancer. All the cards below will be attached to my bike during the ride.

My PAIN is TEMPORARY - PRIDE is FOREVER

 

 

Another day of waiting.... for knee results...

 

Good news !! the tests have ruled out blood clot and Baker's cyst...

Even thou the Doctor's request was marked urgent the clinic failed to forward all results so the waiting continues until later today should find out if I have the ok to ride.. fingers and toes crossed :) I can take the pain for the two days I just need to ensure I won't do further harm to the knee..

 

Congrats !! Winner is #07 Trevor Theissen

London has sold all the squares for the 50/50 draw

 #07  two last digits on the $100 bill 

WINNER is Trevor Theissen

Special thanks to my London colleagues for all your support...

Words can't express my gratitude.

Knee update....

 

It has been a rough couple of weeks. My training has been limited due to the pain.. Went back to the doctor last evening scheduled today for an urgent ultrasound. will find out later today I hope if I will be able to ride :(

 

Pictures from my Annual Ride raffle draw - Currently in the Mississauga North Snap paper

June edition of Mississauga North Snap paper

: http://snapd.at/eewvy8f

Who will be the Lucky WINNER in London

London has sold all the squares for the 50/50 draw

Winner will be determined by the last 2 digits on the $100 bill 

Special thanks to my London colleagues for all your support...

Words can't express my gratitude.

WOW!! Only 11 Days before the ride - countdown begins...

 

Additional cards added after the event on Saturday took a picture with my bike.. Will take my bike this weekend for a tune up.

My bike is very light it just glides hopefully the rain holds off this year and I make it to the finish line dry.. Still having lots of issues with my left knee going back to the doctor again this evening. They said it could take 3 weeks for the injection to work so lets hope a miracle happens this week...I have my herbal patches/tape etc and there is medical help along the route if I need it.. so I will make it to the finish line :)

 

 

Tomorrow's training ride in Bolton

This will be my 1st ride in 2 weeks since I had the injections in my knee. still not 100% but l will suck it up and hit the road...

My PAIN is TEMPORARY and PRIDE is FOREVER

Update on today's fundraiser

Thanks to everyone who came out to support my ride!!

Currently once I deposit all funds next week I'm only $1,409 from reaching my $15,000 goal

BANNER of HOPE displayed including all the colourful cards that people graciously provided names of loved ones that will be attached to my bike as I ride in 14 days from Toronto to Niagara Falls for the Ride to Conquer Cancer... I'm honoured that you have allowed me to dedicate a km during my ride for all these wonderful people.

My Sincere Gratitude!!

http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/BarbaraVallis

50/50 Draw being held @ Cardiff

Once all #s are sold we will make the draw

Who will be the winner of $100

50/50 Lucky # 46 Winner is Heather Dillon & Jaz

 

 

Special thanks to Elena and Heather  @ CCS for their help in selling all the #s

 

Thanks to all the Drivers & Staff for participating

Update currently $12,966.00 so close to $13,000

WOW!! Only $34 to reach $13,000

The  winner of the 50/50 draw will be announced tomorrow SOLD all 100 squares $100 was donated to my ride and winner will get $100

Update 18 days left before the ride...

 

Since last Tuesday unable to train... I still have a lot of pain in my left knee since I had the two injections. So took the weekend to rest and elevate my leg hopefully this week I will be able to get back on my bike. I'm so happy that I trained all winter indoors so missing training will be no big deal.. I hope :) It is not a race to the finish line so I will take my time and finish the 200 kms.

 

My ride is dedicated to Arianna  who was diagnosed with Leukemia last October..

 

update

Updated photo of all the cards that will be attached to my bike during my 200 km ride.

My heartfelt gratitude to each of you for allowing me to ride for you loved ones..

WOW!! we are getting closer - $2,134

Special thanks Caroline for donating $100

I will be riding a km for your Dad 

Together we will reach my $15,000 goal

Feeling blessed and honoured to be riding for all these wonderful people

More names added today.... Thanks again everyone for allowing me to ride for your loved ones

It will sure be an emotional two day ride 

Update - new balance $2,234.00 from reaching my goal

Special thanks Kelly for your $100 Donation

Your card will be attached to my bike during the two day cycle event.

$2,344. from reaching my $15,000 goal - Big Announcement next week... to take me to the finish line....

23 Days to go before the RIDE

Just working out the details... You won't want to miss this opportunity to win  great prizes for a special man in your life or Dad... 

 Donate $100 and your name will automatically be entered into a draw.  Once I reach my $15,000 goal the draw will take place.  

I will update the list of names on this blog so everyone will know they are in the draw.. fyi - there is a minimum of 4 gifts to this prize pack.. Details to follow

Together we can do this 

23 days - The list of individuals I will be honouring during my RIDE..

Thank you everyone who has made a donation in "Honour", "Support", or "In Memory",  of someone who has been affected by cancer.

These cards will be attached to my bike as I ride the 200 kms dedicating a km for each person listed below.  

Still time to add a name of a loved one, friend or colleague - I currently have 130 names looking to reach 200 - just leave me a comment below and I will add

My Sincere Gratitude for allowing me to honour all of these heroes 

This is a cheer up video for cancer patients

I'm here to Stay! keep fighting and never give up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESE1Sj2mO88

For cancer patients who are having a hard time dealing with a lot of stuff at the same moment.. never forget that it's worth fighting.. 

24 Days left before the RIDE - PAIN is Temporary - PRIDE is Forever..

Yesterday I went for my injection - WOW first I had a cortisone injection which wasn't bad.. than the Durolane injection the pressure during the injection was uncomfortable.. Hopefully within 48 hours the pain will be gone and I will be able to get back to training..

Picture of Cardiff staff with Banner of Hope

Thanks to JJ Duncan for taking the picture on April 29th

 

 

25 days left - little set back but nothing will stop me from completing this ride..

 

I tried to avoid having a knee injection however I need to be 100% for the ride.. so this morning I will get 60mg Durolane injection in my left knee.. hopefully it will make a difference. I'm told I should be good in 48 hours to get back on my bike :)

 

Below are my arm warmers recceived them last night at a Ride meeting in Milton. picture of the front and back..

For all those gone but not forgotten.

Sarah mclachlan - I will remember you

ist=PLR2SAxR6x-gCWuxM98Y5M_xGbEHWU6rmQ&index=25

Dressed all in Pink - Breast Cancer song

Thought I would share this with you all....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA6t8dFRhyo&list=RDk7WWFXgAeHI&index=8

This flashmob of cancer survivors will inspire you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhSUjgRwjM&index=2&list=RDk7WWFXgAeHI

Whitney Houston - When You Believe

I believe in miracles that is why I continue to ride and raise funds every year..  Together we can make a difference!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKaXY4IdZ40

Whitney Houston - When You Believe

Whitney Houston's official music video for 'When You Believe' ft. Mariah Carey.

27 days before the BIG Day!!

This morning I didn't want to get out of bed it was raining and cold. Where is the sun??? As I lay snuggled in my bed coming up with every excuse not to go riding this morning I kept thinking about the hills I face on June 11th and 12th. 

I went from Oakville to Hamilton along the lake finally arrived home drove through rain, snow and hail crazy weather!!

My training will thank me in June during the two day ride...

Two years after Brenda lost her fight with ovarian cancer, her husband David received a special message from her

Wife's Dying Wish For Her Family Comes True....  Click on the link below to read the full story.. Will bring you to tears... 

http://www.faithtap.com/5235/wifes-dying-wish-for-her-family-comes-true/

Hello my name is Brenda Schmitz. When you are in receipt of this letter I will have already lost my battle to ovarian cancer. I am writing this letter to have sent to you by a dear friend who has instructions to do so when it was the time. I had to type this because I can barely write anymore because of my shakiness. I told her that once my loving husband David had moved on in his life and met someone to share his life with again to mail this letter to all of you at the station.

I always enjoyed thru the years the Christmas wish you all put on. It is a tremendous and thoughtful deal you do for people that truly exemplifies what Christmas is all about. As I was thinking about my last months on earth I told David my wishes after I was gone that I believe he followed thru with the attitude and courage I know he possesses. What a great husband and father he is. I know all this is extremely hard on him. He is the one making the best decisions from here on out for my family and ultimately finding a caring, compassionate loving woman in time to help raise the boys. She must be quite a lady and I wish I could have met to take on the task of raising a larger extended family with unwavering love and devotion and a huge heart. I also gave my friend some things to do and this letter sent to you is 1 of them when the time presented itself.

We have 4 boys, Carter, Josh, Justin and my lil' Max. Max is the youngest at 2 years old. I was diagnosed right after his 1st birthday. No child as young as Max should lose his mother and it brings tears to my eyes now thinking of it. God I will miss seeing him and the boys grow up to be fine men. I have relayed to David to try and not let him forget me. He is such a bright, intelligent beautiful boy. I will miss all my boys. My favorite has always been the one standing in front of me.
My reason for writing is this. I have a wish. I have a wish for David, the boys, and the woman and her family if she has kids also. I want them to know I love them very much and they always feel safe in a world of pain. I was hoping that one small act you all could do for me can change and help their lives forever and they know I am with them always.

First, for David's new lifelong partner. A day or better yet a weekend of pampering in all aspects of her life. Hair, makeup, body massage, clothes, shopping, spa or weekend getaway. Whatever. She deserves It. Being a step-mother to all those boys and especially giving lil' Max a "mothers love" that only she can give. Make her smile and know her efforts are truly appreciated from me. Perserverance will prevail. Thank you- I love you- whoever you are. Talk to me- you are heard. For the family a magical trip somewhere where they all can enjoy their company and companionship as a family and create those memories that will be with them forever. Finally the cancer doctors at Mercy Hospital and nurses of 8 south. Dr. Carlson, Dr. Turner, Deb Schnoor, Marie Rudolf. A night out full of drinks, food and fun for all they do everyday for the cancer patients they encounter.

May God Bless and keep all of you safe there. Thanks for this. When you wish upon a star.... Brenda

Another child Emma Carter ( great news !! 6 years remission)

Childhood cancer does not discriminate; it can happen to anyone. It is the number one disease killer of children in the world. 

 Emma's name will be one of the many that will be attached to my bike during the ride to Conquer Cancer..

For a parent, having a child diagnosed with cancer can be one of  the most difficult, emotional and overwhelming experiences they will ever face.  I will be riding this year for Arianna who is such a strong and brave little girl as she receives Chemo at such a young age..