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..

London office - 100 square grid - 50/50 draw to support my Ride to Conquer Cancer

Special thanks to Dawn , Kelly and Carole in London for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help me reach my goal..

Pick your lucky #  00 - 99

The lucky winner will win $100 & $100 towards my RIDE

March Draw  - Jeanette (Handling) won $100

April Draw - Garth (Driver) won $100

Cardiff May  13th -- ???

London Draw  ???

 

 

Wow!! 29 days left

 

Still holding on to 25 spot - out of the top 100 individual fundraisers  :)

 

Will be happy to finish in the top 100 fundraisers..

 

 

A month from today it will be all over for another year...

June 12th we will be heading to Niagara Falls finish line....

 

There will be hills but not as bad as the 1st day!!

However I was told that could change we could be facing the Hamilton hill first thing Sunday morning.

 

WOW!! A month from today is June 11th

 

Let's hope there will be great weather this year for the two day ride..

 

 I will be at the starting line in Toronto with approximately 5000 riders heading to Niagara Falls ..

 

I will be riding for 5 year old Arianna diagnosed with Leukemia last October ..

 

 

31 Days - 100 square grid - 50/50 draw at Cardiff

Pick your lucky # 00 to 99

The lucky winner will win $100 & $100 towards my RIDE

March Draw  - Jeanette (Handling) won $100

April Draw - Garth (Driver) won $100

May -- ???

 

32 days and counting

 

 Only $334 away from reaching $13,000 

My goal is to reach it by end of this week :)

 

Love this picture ...

 

33 days left before the RIDE...

 

I will be wearing the Silver Ambassador Jersey proudly this year again.. Thanks to everyone who made this happen!!

 

Currently in 23rd place of the top 100 fundraisers for individual riders.. I will be happy to finish in the top 100

People continue to view my daily updates on my blog...

17,326 views... wow !!!

 

This is the reason why I ride...

Our $$ really do make a difference.. Last year I dedicated my ride to Norma as she went through her cancer treatments to provide her strength and courage.

This year I ride to celebrate Norma's year in remission

Happy Mother's Day Norma!!

Thank you for signing the BANNER of HOPE

Update only $2,334.00 to reach my goal 37 days left

June 11th and 12th will be here before we know it :)

 

 

Join me in this fight against Cancer !!

 

Barbara

38 days left before the 200 km RIDE

 $2,334.00 from reaching my 

$15,000 goal 

My Challenge is for everyone to make a donation
in "Honour", "Support", or "In Memory",

of someone who has been affected by cancer.

Cancer can affect every one: You, me, our parents, children, siblings or friends, or sadly, all of the above. I know the research money is working - it's saving lives.

This year I dedicate my ride to Arianna, a special 5 year old diagnosed with Leukemia in October.

No matter how little or large of a donation, your support will be greatly appreciated and will change lives of those we love!

39 days left before the 200 km RIDE

 

 $2,384.00 from reaching my 

$15,000 goal 

My Challenge is for everyone to make a donation
in "Honour", "Support", or "In Memory",

of someone who has been affected by cancer.

Cancer can affect every one: You, me, our parents, children, siblings or friends, or sadly, all of the above. I know the research money is working - it's saving lives.

This year I dedicate my ride to Arianna, a special 5 year old diagnosed with Leukemia in October.

Update Winners of Raffle Prizes

 

UNITY is STRENGTH... When there is TEAMWORK and COLLABORATION, wonderful things happen...

 

Special thanks to everyone who helped make this Annual Spring Raffle a success. To all the companies who donated great prizes,  everyone who purchased tickets and for all who took time out of their busy schedules to help thank you from the bottom of my heart...

 

Words can't express my gratitude..

 

I'm dedicating my ride this year to Arianna, a special 5 year old who was diagnosed with Leukemia last October.

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

CCS	$1,000 Trisha Romance	Noreen Riggs
CCS	Car Care Gift Basket	Jeff Tanner
CCS	Gone Fishin Gift Basket –	Glen Gray
CCS	$270 value Gift for her	Lina
CCS	Monestry Bakery Oakville gift basket	Metro
CCS	IPAD PRO	Rob P
CCS	$50 gift card The Olive Press Italian Restaurant	Lina
CCS	$25 Gift certificate Irie Cuisine	Renki Kohli
CCS ( Finance)	Samsung tablet	Metro
CCS Billing	Keurig Coffee maker	Sanjit
CCS Billing	Special Edition Maple Leaf crock pot + $50  gift card	Arwinder
CCS Billing	Family Day Trip Gift Basket–	Sangita
CCS Credit	Starbucks  gift bag	Kim Tran
CCS Credit	Nutri Bullet  gift basket	Juliet Subero
CCS Credit	Spa gift basket	John Partington
CCS/Billing	Jack Astor’s $25	Minora
CCS/Credit	Starbucks	Julliet
CCS/Credit	$25 gift voucher Jack Astor's Bar & Grill	Kim Tran
CCS/Garage	2 Deluxe zero gravity lawn chairs	Robert Sullings
CCS/IT	Golf bag	Kiran
CCS/IT	Dr Surya Dentist ( Electric tooth brush etc)	Melissa
CCS/IT	$50  Kelsey’s  gift certificate	Rob P
CCS/IT	Camping Fanatics Gift Basket–	Daisy
CCS/IT	Starbucks  gift bag	David Li
CCS/IT	$175 value Gift for her	Jeanette
CCS/Operations	$1000 Power Yoga  Oakville annual membership	Bruce Hebblethwaite
CCS/Operations	Starbucks  gift bag	Bruce Hebblethwaite
CCS/Operations	$50 Gift Card Bombay Palace	Bill Wood
CCS/Safety	Green Thumb Gift Basket–	Anna
Clark	$50 - Home Depot gift card	Mike G  - c/o Jane Chatzis
Clark	Cocktail hour gift basket	Anjala Bhardwaj
Clark	$100 LCBO Gift card	Vinky Verma
Clark	$50 Milestone gift certificate and Movie tickets	Cater c/o Jane Chatzis
Clark	$50 gift card The Olive Press Italian Restaurant	Angeisne K
Clark	$350 Teeth Whitening Gift Certificate Dr Surya	Kevin   c/o Jane Chatzis
CTC	$50 Keg certificate	GS
LIM	$50 gift card The Olive Press Italian Restaurant	Tim Seymour
LIM	Safety First Gift Basket	Warren Parker
London	Grilling on BBQ Gift Basket–	Carol Carter
London	$25 Costco gift card	Paul Duval
London	IGLOO  Cooler on wheels	Chris Lebarr
London	Wine and Truffle gift Basket– 2 bottles of wine	Doug Egan
London	$200 Stanley Fat Max Drill	Ricki Hawkins
London	Golf items	Paul Duval
London	$50 Home Depot gift card	Kelly Watkins
Matrix	$50 Keg gift card	Vir Ramandeep
Matrix	$50 Keg gift card	Adeel Sultan
Matrix	$25 gift voucher Jack Astor's Bar & Grill	Meradith Orr
Matrix	Golf for 2 with Jeff Lindsay and David Bacon @ Devil's Pulpit	Andy McConnell
Matrix	3 Sky Zone Trampoline Park	Akhelish Kafer
Oshawa	Bike	Theresa MacDonald
Oshawa	Tim Horton’s gift basket	Crystal D
Oshawa	Creating Memories  Gift basket –	Crystal D
UPS	$50 - Home Depot gift card	Mike  Kirky
UPS	Starbucks  gift bag	Emma Rai
	$25  Kelsey’s  gift certificate	Patrick Chambers
	TV	Gino Maricel
	Gone to the Dogs Gift Basket	Jyoti
	$25 gift certificate Lucy's Seafood Restaurant	April Uyrt
	$50 Keg gift card	Mario Maricel
	90 minute Massage ( Mississauga)	Joyti
CCS	Month of June UPS parking	Arwinder
LIM	$20 Tim's Card	Patricia Chiodo
CCS (Barbara)	$20 Tim's Card	Noreen Riggs
Matrix	$20 Tim's Card	Massod S
London	$20 Tim's Card	Brian Buis
Clark	$20 Tim's Card	Anginne Kasee
UPS (Heather)	$20 Tim's Card	Neal Lawrence
CCS (Reception)	$20 Tim's Card	Tim Evans