Welcome to my Ride page!

I am riding the Ride to Conquer Cancer in memory of my late friend Natasa, whom I lost to the cold hands of Cancer in 2010. I am also participating in it to show that cancer is no match against our collective conviction to conquer it.

I vividly recall the day that I met Natasa. With harrowing introspection, I recalled how she sauntered into the reception area of the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver. Her confidence, her gait, her smile, all seemed to have masked the horrible impacts of cancer on her body. We made eye contact and smiled to one another. I walked towards her as she smiled to me; oh, that smile that could disarm Cancer if it were not a wicked disease without human face. Natasa and I chatted extensively about how cancer came about in the first place, and how we got to this point in time: as victims of this dreadful disease. She told me about her struggles. Yet she had great optimism in the face of her adversity. More importantly, we were both confident she, and perhaps me, would overcome the oddities. 

As I began to adjust to my situation, I often reflect on how the word of Samuel Butler resonates with this phase of my life and to Natasa’s life. According to Butler: “Life is like playing a violin in public and learning the instrument as one goes on”. Both Natasa and I would connect over social media and over the phone to share our worries and to lift one another up in prayers. Our Lives metaphorically continued to play a violin in the public glare on social media as we began to learn the instrument about how to deal with Cancer. We had faith that things will get better. Sadly, it did not for Natasa. She eventually experienced a bad turn of events during her time in remission as Light went out for My Dear friend when she succumbed to this monster, cancer, during treatment in 2010.

For me the journey continues. While my initial diagnosis did not break my spirit as I refuse to let go my smile in the face of this disturbing Cancer, the path to the unknown journey of its treatment continues to be troubling: it feels like the flow of cold rivers through every vein. It constantly leads me nodding off from inconceivable levels of nausea and unease. Although, I still have some unwavering optimisms that this phase shall pass, I cannot but be worried by the non-ending monthly scans and blood works. It took five years for me!

The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a fundraiser event to fund researchers who are researching the cure for this deadly pestilence. The Ride is a transformational cycling journey, spanning over 200 kilometres in over two days. In August 2018, I will be taking part in this Ride, not only to show that cancer is no match against our collective Will to conquer it, but in the memory of my late friend, Natasa.

All donations will go to the BC Cancer Agency, one of the leading agency in cancer research and treatment. My goal is to raise $2500.00. I am confident I can do it with your support. Thank you for your donations.