2023 401 Bike Challenge

On April 19, 2013, we heard the words that no parent should ever have to hear – “your son has cancer”.

George, barely 9 months old was diagnosed with Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) - an uncommon paediatric cancer accounting for less than 50 cases in Canada each year.

What ensued were three surgeries, an extended hospital stay, 20 weeks of chemotherapy, countless blood tests and imaging scans. Throughout the ordeal, our little Warrior remained un-phased and steadfast as the Montreal Children's Hospital had suddenly become our second "home". There we met a lot of brave children and their families. We quickly learnt how much children could be resilient – their spirits indomitable even when faced with insurmountable odds.

We were blessed with an exceptional medical team and support group; everyone from the treating physicians and nursing teams to the social workers and volunteers. Our son received exceptional care throughout.

This will be the ninth year I ride in the Air Canada Vacations 401 Bike Challenge, a 2.5 day ultra-endurance 580km cycling event linking the Toronto hospital for Sick Kids to the Montreal Children’s Hospital. This will by no means be an easy challenge for me but it pales in comparison to what kids have to endure on a daily basis during their cancer treatments.

I am dedicating my ride to all childhood cancer Warriors, Survivors, and Angels.

Please consider supporting me on this journey of a lifetime as I honour my hero, my son, George!

Below is a short video dedicated to Wilms Warriors and Angels. Please take a moment to watch it and help spread awareness by sharing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efP21EK6MCk

Thank you for your support!

Andre.