Hometown: Bracebridge, Ontario

Family: Married 46 years to Karen. Three children – Dave, Debi and Todd – 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren

Age: 68

“I think I can”

“If not now…….when?”

Together we can make a difference!

Email: heaslip@B2B2C.ca

In 1998 I adopted a lifestyle change and lost 54 pounds. When I retired in 2000, I went back to school and became a Personal Trainer. I joined Muskoka Fitness and continued to maintain my lifestyle. I was invited to join a riding social group in 2002 and that started my love for cycling. Later I started the indoor spinning program at the club and became a spinning instructor.

Why would a recreational cyclist like me want to ride across Canada? For the last two years at the Can-Fit-Pro conference in Toronto I have heard about this ride, saw the videos, and was taken in by the cause – childhood cancer. When I got home, I talked about it with my wife, and her support was evident.

Helping children. Fighting cancer. I know that cancer touches us all, but childhood cancer is much different. Raising money. 100 cents on the dollar to the cause. Money raised doesn’t get eaten up by administration fees. It all goes to improve the lives of children with cancer. Demonstrating to my children and grandchildren the sense of giving back, as my parents did in me. The chance to be one small part of a truly national team, working together and supporting each other through an incredible challenge.

When the training or the ride itself gets difficult (and maybe beyond my abilities), I know that I’ll get a little extra boost by remembering that what I’m doing is easy compared to what the experience must be like for children and the families who are battling children’s cancer. These folks are true heroes.

I’m riding with the memory of my mother-in-law and my father-in-law who both lost their battle with cancer. As well, I simply cannot comprehend the devastation that parents must experience when they are told that their child has cancer. Just imagine what they must go through. I will be riding for those Mom’s and Dad’s, whose lives are turned upside down by such an experience, as I know that they don’t have the time or energy to do it for themselves. When the training gets tough, I will think of how blessed Karen and I are to have 3 children of our own, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren – all of whom are healthy.

And finally, “Because I think I can” and “If not now…..when?” I’m not getting any younger and this ride gives me a chance to be part of something that will have a lasting impact on the lives of others. I have been very fortunate in my life, and this is my chance to support those who are less fortunate than I, and who don’t have the ability to support themselves. I guess this is my “payback” moment for the life that I’ve had. Sir Winston Churchill said it well – “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.

We’re just a group of 40 regular folks who will be riding together for a common cause. We will be supported by many, many volunteers (on the road and in each town we stop in), ride-along cyclists who will join us for shorter segments in various places across the country, and most importantly, by friends and family who will support us financially through their donations. My wife’s gift to me is not only her encouragement and support as I train for this ride. She has paid my $4000 application fee and she’ll be giving up a lot of our “together” time while I’m out raising funds to meet my goal.

I thank you for whatever your interest in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride is. The thought that one child might have a somewhat better life through my efforts inspires me to keep going. When it’s over, I’ll lie down on my couch, undoubtedly shed a tear or two, but be grateful to every one of you who has helped me through those many thousands of miles. I will be forever grateful!

Please help support the many children in Canada with cancer so that I can reach my personal goal of $25,000. Remember that 100 cents of every dollar raised goes to children’s cancer causes. Tax receipts are issued for contributions of $20.00 or more. This is a journey of a lifetime that my bicycle and I can accomplish, but only with your help.

“Dreams are made if people only try. I believe in miracles. I have to…..because somewhere the hurting must stop”. (Terry Fox)

Now before you forget, click on the “Sponsor Me” link below and help us reach our goal!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

À mes amis au Québec, j'espère que vous soutiendrez cette attraction. J'arrête à Montréal sur notre façon de Halifax et j'avais adore vous drop out et dire "Bonjour". Je vais être certain de vous faire savoir à quelle date et l'heure nous serons il.

Heaslip@B2B2C.ca