A team training ride for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. (L-R) Alayne Farries, Dr Jed Scharf , Marilla Vaartstra.

By Sheldon Spackman

Raising Funds And Support

Local physician prepared for Ride to Conquer Cancer

Aug 14, 2019 | 5:46 PM

Central Albertans will be among thousands across the province taking part in an epic two-day, 200+ kilometre bike ride this weekend, aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer research and patient support.

The 11^th Annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, presented by Evraz, is described as an incredible journey through Alberta’s picturesque countryside that isn’t just for athletes but for cyclists of all abilities.

Money raised from the Aug 17-18 event goes directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of cancer patients and their families.

Alayne Farries of Red Deer, a participant and cancer survivor herself, says many of the local participants are physicians and other healthcare providers.

“Some of them are cancer survivors, while many are Red Deerians concerned about cancer because one in three of our population will be affected by cancer in their lifetime,” explains Farries. “I got involved because my husband talked me into doing it. My husband started doing this ride because he liked bicycling and he wanted to raise funds to give back, because the cancer people had been very good for us.”

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Both physicians who treat people with cancer, Farries says she and her husband Lawrence feel fighting the disease takes a big team effort.

“It takes everyone in the hospital,” exclaims Farries. “When I was a cancer patient, a lady that would cheer me up a lot, like the housekeeper, would come in every morning and would talk to you and just be nice and it actually makes quite a big deal of difference.”

(L-R) Lawrence Farries, Alayne Farries and their oldest daughter Marilla Vaartstra.

The challenge now, according to Farries, is raising the money needed to participate, and preparing her body physically for the long distance tour.

“Each rider has to raise $2,500 to participate in the Ride, so I exceeded that goal but my husband exceeded that even better,” laughs Farries. “People are really quite generous when you ask them because it’s a good cause right?”

This year’s Ride to Conquer Cancer departs from the Shane Homes YMCA in Calgary Saturday morning, then stops in Cremona for lunch before ending the day at the Sundre Rodeo Grounds. The Ride returns to Calgary on Sunday.

To donate to the Ride to Conquer Cancer, visit conquercancer.ca.