“It's quite hard to hear someone that you really care about and that you love has cancer.”
Susan Seto felt her world crashing down when her father was diagnosed with stage-three colon cancer back in 2015.
Watching him go through 12 rounds of chemotherapy was excruciating for her, but upon his recovery, Seto decided to take part in a cause that helps other families and patients going through a similar journey.
Every year, the BC Cancer Foundation hosts the “Tour de Cure” cycling fundraiser, where thousands of cyclists across B.C. come together to pedal their way to raise awareness about cancer and raise funds to help cancer patients.
This year, Seto is all set to ride 100 kilometres in Chilliwack to join the fight against cancer.
The Burnaby resident believes that cancer touches everyone in one way or other. “One in two British Columbians have cancer,” she said.
“It touches everyone some way. And I feel like having that experience, caring for my dad and also having that positive income, positive outcome in terms of his recovery, it's really inspired me to want to take part of this ride.”
For the first time in her life, Seto is attempting a long distance. Aside from the nerves of riding a whopping 100kms, she hopes that the ride will be a breeze - with the energy, motivation and support for each other on Saturday.
Her team is 'crush'ing it, having already raised $50,000 for the cause.
"Crossing that finish line and being able to experience that and remembering why we are riding, and honouring those that have had cancer or that have survived cancer or who've lost a loved one to cancer, I feel that that's something I'm looking forward to," she said.
Seto is thankful for BC Cancer Foundation's help and role in providing a second chance at life for her father, and hopes the cycling fundraiser could help bring the community together in the fight against cancer.
Details for the event can be found here.
When: Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Chilliwack Heritage Park, Chilliwack, B.C.
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