CN Cycle for CHEO raises $2M under bright skies

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By News Room 2 Min Read

Bright skies and warmer temperatures greeted thousands of cyclists Sunday as the 18th annual Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s ‘CN Cycle for hit the roads and trails.

In mid-afternoon, the online toteboard indicated the event was well over it’s $2-million target, with $2,022,447 confirmed in donations.

The event was created to raise funds for pediatric oncology care and research at the hospital.

The massive event began and ended at the Canadian War Museum, bringing participants far and wide across the capital. There were cycling routes, walking routes along the Ottawa River and entertainment and activities.

 Ottawa Senators Community Foundation president Jacqueline Belsito took part in the 2K walk with Sens Tim Stutzle.

 The 15K cycle rolled out with perfect weather for a beautiful ride along the Ottawa River Sunday.

In addition to the regular attractions, this year, CN Cycle for CHEO unveiled a 100K circuit for the first time. Called the “CN Century Ride,” the new route took 500 participants into stunning Gatineau Park.

On its website, CHEO hailed its three “ambassadors,” Charlie, Easton and Ibrahim.

“These young ambassadors and their families know first-hand what the patients at CHEO are going through. Their commitment of time, energy and enthusiasm inspires us all to support the crucial work devoted to ending pediatric cancer.

“The courage these young people bring to this event makes us so proud to present them to you,” says CHEO on its website.

Last year, the event raised a whopping $2.2 million, with more than 7,000 participants, despite rainy weather.

Photos by Ashley Fraser

 Evan and Tamy Bell lost their son just before last year’s event, but this year, under a sunlit sky, their unwavering dedication shone just as brightly as they continued to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer in his honour.

 Michael Meehan’s Minions team raised an impressive $21,550, rallying behind “Mr. Incredible” himself — Michael Meehan — who has courageously faced down cancer three times.

 Five-year-old Easton Adams of Team East had a very powerful moment on stage when he rang the bell signalling his treatment has finished. Adams was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lympocytic Leukemia when he was just three years old. He will ring the actual bell at CHEO on May 14th.

 Kyle Braatz, co-chair for the Kids These Days campaign with CHEO, rolled out with his three kids for the 2K walk Sunday.

 Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk posed for a picture with 16-year-old Marc Racz, a member of Michael Meehan’s Minions team.

 Kathleen Both of Carpe Diem and Tamy Bell from Griffs Gang shared a great big up on stage after the two teams tied for top fundraising. Both has two grandchildren battling cancer and Bell lost her son last year after a gruelling battle with the disease.

 Tara Reid, director of corporate and community events at the CHEO Foundation and Emily Jameson, vice president of corporate philanthropy and community engagement at the foundation, share a moment as the see the hard work come to fruition as the more than $2 million cheque was flipped.

 The 15K cycle rolled out with perfect weather for a beautiful ride along the Ottawa River Sunday.

 Kathleen Both of Carpe Diem and Tamy Bell from Griffs Gang shared a great big up on stage after the two teams tied for top fundraising. Both has two grandchildren battling cancer and Bell lost her son last year after a gruelling battle with the disease.

 Carpe Diem and Griffs Gang tied for top fundraising team. Both families have faced childhood cancer head-on.

 Janet Wilson rode the 15K on Sunday in honour of her late son, giving back to CHEO in gratitude for the care he received during his cancer battle.

 A cheque for $2,018,294 was flipped on stage at the end of the festivities Sunday.

 Piper the dog was set and ready to roll with the fancy goggles while she was on her dad, Adam Frank’s back.

 Piper the dog was set and ready to roll with the fancy goggles while she was on her dad, Adam Frank’s back.

 Griff’s Golden Family Fun Zone was the perfect place for children to have fun after their bike or walk.

 Cyclist prepared to roll out on the 15K loop along the Ottawa River.

 Five-year-old Easton Adams of Team East helped rally all the participants with his awesome dance moves before the 2K got rolling. Adams has been battling B-Cell Acute Lympocytic Leukemia since he was three years old.

 Five-year-old Easton Adams of Team East helped rally all the participants with his awesome dance moves before the 2K got rolling. Adams has been battling B-Cell Acute Lympocytic Leukemia since he was three years old.

 Cyclist prepared to roll out on the 15K loop along the Ottawa River.

 Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk posed for a picture with 16-year-old Marc Racz and his twin sister Meagan, members of Michael Meehan’s Minions team.

 Steve Read, president and CEO of CHEO’s Foundation.

 “There is a lot of generosity on display today,” said CHEO president and CEO Vera Etches, praising the families who united to raise remarkable funds in support of childhood cancer care and research.

 Cyclist prepared to roll out on the 15K loop along the Ottawa River.

 Cyclist prepared to roll out on the 15K loop along the Ottawa River.

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