Together, we can make a difference!

The last four days have been some of the best days of my life. I had the privilege of spending them with six dedicated, courageous and inspiring individuals who demonstrated that we can make a difference. Together, we raised more than $22,000 dollars so that our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and colleagues do not have to face a battle with breast cancer in the future.

I went to bed last night, not thinking of how sore and tired I was, but thinking of:

• Gail, the owner of a beautiful farm near Newcastle, who shared with us her experiences as a breast cancer survivor as we sat on her front lawn having lunch while watching Paul Simpson’s two beautiful children running around laughing and playing.

• Carol, the owner of a wonderful restaurant in Cobourg, who shared with us her personal scare with breast cancer. We inquired about her restaurant making a donation to breast cancer research. We thought that 25% of our dinner bill would be an appropriate donation. Carol pledged to donate 100% of our bill, tips included, for a total donation of $500.

• Brenda, our waitress with the contagious smile at Chez Piggy Restaurant in Kingston, whose manager donated the value of our bill to breast cancer ($527)
  
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• Nicole, a massage therapist from Cornwall, who had a close friend who died from breast cancer at the very young age of 29. Nicole donated her time and provided massages to all of the riders at the end of our 200 km day.
• Jean, a wonderful breast cancer survivor from Dorval who warmly thanked us for our efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.
  
• Jeff Martens, a passionate individual with a golden sense of humor. Jeff it is an honor to be working with you. Thank you for planning the Ride with me, for booking the hotel, identifying the itinerary…

• Henry Anderson, a generous man that I am so glad I got to know. Henry, thank you for setting up the blog so our friends and family could follow us during the ride. I look forward to many more rides with you when you get the new bike you deserve!

• Ian “Power” Johnson, the most determined rider I have ever seen, it was a pleasure to be with you when you biked your first century (100 miles / 160 km) for the first time on Sunday and the 200 km ride on Monday. The joy on your face will be forever etched in my mind. Thank you for letting us use your truck and for your constant encouragement.

• Anne ‘Guzzminator’, the ultimate cyclist, thank you for your riding advice, the trip would not been the same without the “butter” joke. I look forward to seeing you pursue your personal legend.

• Jason Jacobs, the communications ‘King’. Thank you for joining the Ride and making sure that the rest of the world knew about it. I look forward to riding with you next year!

• Claudine Boisvert, my “Novartis Associate of the Year”. Claudine, the ride would not have been the same without your positive attitude, your endless support and sense of humor. Thank you for being you!

Thank you to all the people who donated, without you the Ride for the Cure could not have happened. Together, we will find a cure to breast cancer!

Together, we can make a difference!


Alain