When Consie Severson was told her colon cancer was in remission five years ago, she was determined to do whatever she could to give back to the Canadian Cancer Society.
And Ride for Research was born. For the fifth year in a row, Severson will spend 24 hours on a stationary bike in front of Ladies World Health & Fitness, to raise money for the society.
“I needed to do something to give back to the cancer society, to the people who had helped me along my journey,” she said. “I have a passion for riding, so I put my love of riding to good use, to start raising more money for cancer research.”
The popular personal trainer at the Vernon fitness club began her ride at 7 a.m. today and continues until 7 a.m. Saturday. Anyone who has taken one of Severson’s classes knows her enthusiasm is contagious, along with her positive attitude towards every single person in the gym, young or old, athletic or just getting in shape.
“My surviving cancer opened the doors for me and made a lot of connections with people and made it possible for me to help others,” she said. “My advice is to not give up. Don’t stop. Don’t put things off until tomorrow. Do the things you want to do — if you’ve always dreamed of doing it, do it.”
To catch some of that enthusiasm and to help Severson towards her fundraising goal, everyone is welcome to join her in front of Ladies World, to ride with her, make a donation or just keep her company.
The event includes a raffle for a mountain bike, with tickets available at Ladies World, a silent auction filled with donated items, a barbecue and bakery items from Gumtree Catering.
Throughout the day, drop-in co-ed Group Ride classes will be going on, all by donation to Ride for Research.
“Please come on down and join me in the fight to stop this dreaded disease,” said Severson. “Until we find a cure, there is no finish line.”
Ladies World is at 4406-27th St. For more information, call the gym at 250-503-2363.
