Cochrane's Rick Deans was one of fourteen cyclists who hit the pavement for this year's edition of Cancervive in support of Wellspring.

Cycling 450 kilometres over four consecutive days, this year's ride (September 26 to 30) took Deans to Osoyoos, British Columbia to begin his journey. Tackling some monstrous hills in the Okanagan Valley, Deans biked through some chilly weather as he raised awareness and funds for those impacted by cancer.

This is the second time in the past three years; Deans has challenged himself mentally and physically for Wellspring Calgary, which provides supportive care for cancer patients and their families. Close to a three-year cancer survivor, himself, Deans knows the value and role the organization plays in the lives of many. "When I was going through my cancer diagnosis in 2016, I met some fellow cancer patients while I was at Tom Baker. Through conversation, I was made aware of Wellspring and what great support it offers cancer patients and their families. It is basically free of charge and they offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support as people go through the unfortunate experience of cancer. For me, I want to give back more directly to the people who are suffering from this terrible disease, and I feel that Wellspring offers great services."

While this year's ride was shorter in duration and distance, it was much more difficult for Deans personally. In 2017, Deans completed Cancervive alongside his brother in law Dennis Rattee, and this year, he rode in his memory. "I dedicated my ride to my deceased brother in law; I found motivation and strength in his memory that helped push me over some of those steep hills."

Cancervive's Board Member, Peggy Brosens, says although they were down cyclists this year, they are still appreciative of the group's effort. "It is probably the lowest we have ever had, but we feel that whatever funds we can raise for Wellspring is a bonus to them. Our goal is to raise 60,000 dollars this year."

Brosens not only works full-time as a Data Manager for Wellspring, but she has also ridden, volunteered, managed, and currently sits on the board for Cancervive. "I have been involved, pretty much, since the fall of 2008 in some capacity. When I started getting involved, I wanted to see and thought maybe I should get on the road to see how it works."

Although the Cancervive ride took on a new format this year, the underlying goal of raising awareness and funds for Wellspring remains steadfast. Providing mental, physical, and spiritual support to cancer patients and their families, Bronsens says Wellspring provides free programming, so no one faces cancer alone. "We are starting to do more family and kids' orientated programming. We want to offer more opportunities to involve the children of the person who is going through cancer because we know kids are affected too."

Wellspring has two centres in Calgary, one in the Northwest and the brand new Randy O’Dell House, in the south. "Wellspring Calgary pretty much serves southern Alberta from Red Deer south. We get between 700 to 800 new members each year, and we anticipate that we could grow with the new facility opening up. It isn't just for Calgary; it is for anyone. There is a lot of people who still don't know about Wellspring, so we are trying to get the word out about."

Even though there are many cancer fundraising initiatives, Deans encourages those who have a passion for cycling to possibly consider signing up for the intimate experience Cancervive provides. "It goes back to the reason we are riding our bikes, and that is to raise awareness and fundraising support for a great organization. They play such an integral part through the journey through cancer, and I know they just opened the doors to a new location in the south. It is a good way to give back, and I certainly think we can all say we have been touched by cancer in one way or another."

Although Deans completed the ride as of yesterday (September 30), you can still donate to the cause and his fundraising by going HERE. Over the past few years, the Cancervive ride has pretty much hit its targeted goal thanks to the fundraising efforts of participants. "We will keep fundraising open until the end of October, so there is a whole month after the ride is finished."

For more information about the services and programs Wellspring provides, go HERE.