Jim Maybee has been training six hours a week as he gears up to conquer cancer.
On June 15 and 16 he will ride his bike through the Pacific Northwest in The Ride to Conquer Cancer that benefits the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
“I used it as an opportunity to get myself back on the bike and to help raise money for something that’s affected a bunch of people in my family and people I know,” he said. “It’s amazing how many people I know who have had either a scare or had to go through treatment.”
Since battling cancer in 2001, Maybee has felt he should do something to help support others with the disease and work towards a cure. During his diagnosis he felt a connection to Lance Armstrong who also battled cancer and shared his love of cycling. Maybee has been a bike mechanic for 20 years and started Trailheads Bike and Ski Repairs two years ago. Now he is able to help the cancer community by doing what he loves.
“I think it’s going to be a really neat experience,” Maybee said. “I think it’s probably going to be an emotional experience and hopefully rewarding in the end.”
The Ride to Conquer Cancer covers 240 kilometres from Vancouver to Seattle. In 2012 the 3,011 participants raised $11.2 million for the B.C Cancer Foundation.
Maybee has chosen to donate the funds he raises specifically to childhood cancer research.
“I look at is as, okay, I’m 40, I’ve had the chance to live but if a kid doesn’t get that chance… It drives me crazy thinking about it,” Maybee said.
So far he has raised $1,610 of his goal of $3,200. However, he must raise the $2,400 to participate in the ride. His focus is fundraising and he hopes to raise enough to get to participate. He sees the chance to ride as a bonus.
Maybee said the initial support was incredible and he is still focused on meeting his goal. To donate to his cause, visit his page, Kevin James Maybee, on the Ride to Conquer Cancer website, http://www.conquercancer.ca.
