One of the greatest gifts we have as humans is the ability to show compassion. I can ride a bike and a great community of people helped me raise over $8000 dollars for the Kids With Cancer Society. This society provides over fifty programs to help families with their battle to beat cancer. What the staff of the society does is beyond my comprehension of compassion. I am in awe of the amazing love, compassion, empathy, and hope that these people bring to families every day.
To be a small part of this Tour and have the opportunity to make a difference is a life altering experience. The other riders are amazing people who have become friends. They inspire me every morning when they get on their bikes to ride for the kids. Riding with them is an honor and being a part of this team has become something I cherish.
There are amazing sponsors who donate to the Tour of Hope so that the money raised by the cyclist goes directly to families in need. Unfortunately there are families in need. With the kindness of the sponsors we can make a difference for those families.
We heard the story of seven year old Brayden who was first diagnosed with cancer at two and a half years old. The Kids With Cancer Society didn't just help Brayden's family, they became their family. I can't tell you how big the lump in my throat was as I hung my head and heard Brayden's mom and dad talk about the difference the Kids With Cancer Society makes. Brayden has beaten cancer twice in his seven years. On Sunday we rode into Emily Murphy Park for the wind up to the 2016 Tour of Hope. Brayden was on his two wheeler leading us in, that makes every kilometer, every crazy weather pattern we faced worth it.
I rode with cancer survivors, There were volunteers whose grandchildren had been helped by the Society. And there were stories of the children who didn't survive. The Kids With Cancer Society was a beacon of hope for them all.
Hope is a hug when you need one because you're afraid for your child.
Hope is financial aid because the burden of costs is so high.
Hope is a Society that wants to make a difference through all the programs they offer.
Hope is Sponsors who donate to make the Tour a reality.
Hope is all the support of volunteers and staff who support the Tour riders.
Hope is facing the elements because riding a bike is easy to make a difference for the families.
Hope is seeing a child ride his two wheeler ahead of the group with a huge smile on his face.
Hope is our compassion to make a difference because we can, and we will.
The Tour of Hope is hope that families can stay together and beat cancer.
I want to personally thank all of you who donated to my ride. Your generosity is HOPE.
God Bless
Daniel
"Live remarkable and follow the Spirit in your heart."
