Sharing the burden, and saddling up for this weekend’s Alberta Ride
By Ken Buchanan, Pipeline Operations Specialist and Team Enbridge Edmonton Co-Captain for the 2015 Alberta ERTCC
Ken Buchanan, Pipeline Operations Specialist and Team Enbridge Edmonton Co-Captain for the 2015 Alberta ERTCC.
This weekend marks the seventh annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer event in Alberta – and Team Enbridge’s Edmonton contingent has been steadily working up to the big event almost since the 2014 edition wrapped up.
Our Edmonton group has grown to about 74 riders strong. Their preparation for the Aug. 8 and 9 Alberta Ride has included an arduous training regimen (either solo or with Enbridge teammates), attending workshops, collecting financial support, and participating in awareness events. And everyone has their own story on how cancer has affected them in some way – and why they’re riding.
Speaking personally, this is my second year as co-captain of Enbridge’s Team Edmonton, and the sixth year I’ve been involved with The Ride. Cancer affected my life in November of 2010, when my wife Lisa was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. At that moment, my life that stood still as I tried to understand what this meant to my wife, my family and myself.
From the surgeries and treatments that Lisa had to endure, we were on an upward battle to see her cured. I wanted to do all I could to support her through this, and The Ride was one of the ways that I could physically contribute to a cause that benefits cancer research, treatment, and care. My hope is that this research will benefit Lisa and all others carrying the burden of cancer. It’s been five years, and we are still waiting for the “all clear” from her oncologist.
Over the past five years, I have learned that cancer affects most of us in some form or other. Cancer is not just a physical disease – it has an emotional impact, too. While physically taxing, it also tears at your inner emotions.
I know that The Ride benefits cancer research being conducted by the Alberta Cancer Foundation, by raising the necessary funds for equipment and clinical studies – and also supporting breakthrough research and the discovery of new therapies. It is my hope that by participating in the ERTCC, I will contribute in some small way, and help those affected by cancer.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me on The Ride. This Sunday, when I cross the finish line, as in past years, my eyes will well up with tears. I will know that I have put myself out physically, as my wife has done during her treatments, all on the road to a cure.
