From Vancouver to Montreal: Cross-Canada ride fosters community and inspires action
July 17, 2019
“If not now, when?”
Cécile Hryhorczuk was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2015, and this summer, she is riding across Canada to connect with women and families affected by this disease, raise funds, and prove that there is life after cancer.
“When I started telling people what I was setting out to do, I didn’t expect to receive this much support. I was hoping to connect with a few women with ovarian cancer along the way, but this has really taken off,” says Cécile.
On Saturday, June 22nd, from Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Cécile and her bike arrived at the Vancouver International Airport, ready to ride and make connections.
With no time to waste, spending only twenty-four hours in Vancouver, Cécile received a warm welcome from the community upon arrival. The Valentinuzzi sisters, advocates and long-time supporters of Ovarian Cancer Canada, opened their doors and hosted Cécile for the first night of her journey.
“When we were just 17 years old, our mom was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. After a 10-year lengthy battle we lost our mom to ovarian cancer. We’ve made it our mission to keep her memory and legacy alive by giving back to the community and helping others,” says Stephanie Valentinuzzi. “When we heard about Cécile setting off for her cross-Canada adventure, starting here in Vancouver, we wanted to get involved.”
Cécile with the Valentinuzzi family at English Bay in Vancouver
“Women affected by this disease are determined. Our mom wouldn’t stop – she wanted to do something from the moment she was diagnosed. We continue to advocate for her and we see so much of her passion and determination in Cécile,” says Cristina Valentinuzzi.
With over 5,500 kilometers to ride, 57 stops to make and two months on the road, family, old friends and new friends, gathered on Sunday June 23rd at English Bay in Vancouver for Cécile’s send-off.
“It’s so great to finally meet Cécile and to be a part of her send-off,” says Erin Barrett. “Her story, her passion and her determination… it gives me chills. As a board member for Ovarian Cancer Canada, and a survivor, I am inspired by Cécile’s journey.”
Cécile and Erin
Cécile plans to meet with other teal sisters like Erin along the way to Montreal, connect with researchers and raise funds to further progress against ovarian cancer. She has already surpassed her fundraising goal, raising over $11,000 and counting.
“The more I open myself up and the more I share, the more I receive. It’s a win-win,” says Cécile. “I receive messages from other women saying that I am motivating them to keep training, keep active and keep fighting, and that gives me motivation.”
This ride is the first long distance journey for Cécile, and while she completed a rigorous training regimen, even after discovering recurring cancer cells, she is taking the ride one stop at a time.
“Her taking on a cross-country ride while living with ovarian cancer is immensely humbling to all of us. My sister, an all-round athlete, who recently passed away from ovarian cancer, had to completely give up cycling while dealing with the disease. I am in complete awe of this strong, ambitious and resolute woman,” says Joan Thompson, who embarked on her own cycle, coast-to-coast in memory of her sister, Sheila Rae Trautman. The Ovarian Cancer Ride for Sheila Rae combines cycling with raising awareness and public speaking, while getting to know the lay of the land. “My advice for Cécile is to stop and smell the roses, listen to the stories of people past and current. These experiences keep me inspired and excited about getting back on the bike each morning. This journey has given us new appreciation of the strong fibre that binds us here in Canada, including the fibre of people like Cécile!”
Do you have words of encouragement and advice for Cécile? Follow Cécile’s journey on social media and make plans to pedal by her side when she rides through your community. Follow Cécile on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates about her cross-Canada ride.
If Cécile’s story inspired you to take action against this disease, support her ride by making a donation. Funds raised in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada will help change lives through research, advocacy, and support.