And she's off!
After months of preparation and training, Cyndy McLean from Guelph has set off to handcycle through 10 southern Ontario communities for her fundraiser, '10x21: Cycling 4 Chemo Chairs,' an initiative to raise funds to support the purchase of new chemotherapy chairs for Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (GRRCC) in Kitchener, which provides services to Guelph.
It was an emotional kick-off for the Canadian wheelchair athlete and cancer survivor at the University of Guelph Arboretum kiosk on Monday.
"It's exciting. It's a little surreal because of how long we've been planning, and then to actually get to this, it's amazing.," McLean said.
"But there comes a point where you're ready to just get started. And now, here we are today."
A passionate advocate for cancer patients and spinal cord injury awareness, McLean initiated the 10 x 21: Cycling 4 Chemo Chairs campaign to give back to the centre that supported her through her own cancer journey.
“I want to honour everyone who cared for me and help support other people facing cancer,” she said.
“And maybe offer some inspiration and hope along the way.”
A former member of Canada’s Wheelchair Tennis Team, McLean was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in 2018. After undergoing surgery to remove 2/3 of her liver and 18 inches of colon, she had 21 chemotherapy treatments over a 10-month period at GRRCC.
Marking the five-year anniversary of her treatment, she hopes to give back by raising funds to help the GRRCC.
Over 21 days in September, McLean will undertake 10 handcycle rides, each 21 kilometres long, across local communities, to symbolize the 10 months and 21 treatments she received.
Before her battle with cancer, in 2003, McLean's life first took a drastic turn while out on a leisurely hike. Falling 80 feet off of a cliff, McLean has since lived as a paraplegic as a result of her spinal cord injury.
For her fundraiser, 10x21: Cycling 4 Chemo Chairs, McLean will use a handcycle, a uniquely designed trike that is propelled exclusively using her hands and upper body.
This month, community rides will also be held in Cambridge, Elmira, Listowel, Kitchener, Fergus and Waterloo.
In each location, a dedicated team of local ambassadors who have experienced cancer themselves or supported a loved one will be on hand to help raise funds for new specialized chemotherapy chairs for the GRRCC, which cost more than $7,000 each.
“A chemotherapy chair is so important to people undergoing treatment,” McLean said.
“They have to be comfortable and functional for the patient because they will be sitting in it for hours at a time. But it also needs to be very ergonomically designed so that health care workers who are providing chemotherapy can do that in a safe and productive way.”
McLean said 100 per cent of donations will go to the cancer centre. Contributions can be made through the Grand River Hospital Foundation here.
Beyond fundraising, McLean aims to offer inspiration and hope by sharing with others her experiences with cancer and paraplegia.
“People often find themselves facing unexpected challenges, whether it be cancer, an accident, or other life-changing experiences,” McLean said.
“These challenges affect not only the individual but also their families, friends, and loved ones. Having help along the way, whether from a place like the GRRCC or the community in general, makes a world of difference. 10x21: Cycling 4 Chemo Chairs is a way to let people know they are not alone. It shows that others understand their struggles and emphasizes the strength of togetherness.”
GRRCC sees 70-100 people for chemo treatments everyday which means chemo chairs receive a lot of wear and tear during the delivery of cancer care. The centre has a goal to replace all older chairs with new ones.
"The success of this fundraiser is a result of a giant team effort from donors, ambassadors, sponsors, supporters, organizers, venue partners and many people enthusiastically sharing this cause through social media and with their contacts," McLean said.
"When we first began planning this fundraiser, we were optimistic we would raise enough for one new chemo chair. As the fundraiser gained momentum, we were excited to move the target and aim for four chairs. We are so thrilled and grateful because we have surpassed our $28,000 target. We are well on our way to a fifth chair, but I think we can even do more."
