Biking means more to Janice Love this spring. After hearing that her son’s godfather and the brother of the principal of his school had both been diagnosed with myeloma, she decided to take part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer with the funds she raises being designated for work in blood cancers, including myeloma.
“I had never heard of myeloma before. It is a blood cancer that affects the plasma cells. It was such a shock for us and I wanted to do something,” she said.
“A neighbour had done the Ride to Conquer Cancer for the B.C. Cancer Foundation twice and I had supported her. This year, I’m motivated to do what I can to help.”
Love is a recreational cyclist but she’s been training with spin classes, cross-country skiing, strength training and building up her riding distances.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer June 16/17 attracts more than 2,000 participants following two courses from Surrey to Seattle. Love has decided to do the Classic 240K route. There is also a Challenge route for more experienced cyclists.
Each participant must raise $2,500 in pledges and Love is half way there and hoping to raise $3,200.
“I have been very impressed with the community’s generosity. This is something very important to support. When I am going through any discomfort or pain with the training, I think that is not important compared to what people with cancer go through. Myeloma is incurable but there are some treatments than can put it in remission. There is a lot of work to be done but they are continuing to find new treatments and hopefully one day there will be a cure,” she said.
She continues to train on the first new bike she has ever owned, a Sirrus Elite. Her husband, James Love, and son Jameson, eight, encourage her and will be at the ride to spur her on.
Love will be doing a spin-a-thon Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Save-On-Foods at the Village Green Centre to raise awareness and pledges. For more information or to donate online see www.conquercancer.ca. Click on B.C., click on donate, then enter Janice Love.
