A Kelowna man will be one of 2,000 riders from across B.C. taking part in the Tour De Cure, a two-day 200-kilometre bike ride starting in Surrey to raises money for the BC Cancer Foundation.
Living with chronic lymphocytic lymphoma since 2012, Robin Smith will embark on the ride for the tenth time, telling Castanet it's one of the most important weekends of the year for him and his family. “I was feeling really healthy, didn’t really feel a lot of symptoms and got those three words from my family doctor that nobody wants to hear,” said Smith, in front of the Kelowna Cancer Centre. “It really changed my outlook on life.
Having this diagnosis and having this disease gives me the ability to have an impact around the community by raising awareness.” Living with a form of cancer for the past 12 years that does not yet require treatment, Smith has witnessed cancer research change for the better, but not everyone has been as lucky as him. “I’ve lost two friends — both who have donated to my ride this year — in the past month, and so I ride for them.
I ride for other family members and friends that have passed away through different kinds of cancers and I ride to spread that hope, that other forms of cancer will have the same breakthroughs and research and understanding that I’ve had with my disease.” Nearly half of Canadians will get cancer during their lifetime. Since its inaugural event in 2009, the Tour De Cure has raised more than $124 million for the BC Cancer Foundation.
Smith has personally raised more than $50,000 for cancer research through his first nine years of riding, and his team that's made up of 50 or so riders from RBC has raised over $300,000. Along with the 2,000 riders participating in the Tour de Cure this weekend, Smith is urging people to schedule a check up with their family doctor. “I found out that I had cancer through blood tests and regular blood work and I’m glad I did in a lot of respects," he said.
"I would say that early detection is important. If you are feeling lumps and bumps, make sure you’re getting those things checked out. Don’t ignore it.
" Going back again this year to participate in the Tour de Cure and planning to return for a number of years to come, Smith can't get enough of the event and he's grateful to be able to take part. “It’s super emotional for me to be a part of this event and the gratitude in terms of understanding different people’s stories, what they’ve been through and how different people have supported me through this, it’s a beautiful weekend with a lot of beautiful people," said Smith. He recommends to anyone impacted by cancer to consider riding in 2025.
"You do not have to be an Olympian, you do not have to be a professional cyclist, you do not have to have a beautiful bike to complete this event. It’s very approachable, there’s amazing support along the way, every 30 km there’s a rest stop with food and people there to help you out, so it’s something that’s achievable for almost everyone out there." The 2024 Tour De Cure takes place this Saturday and Sunday and you can help to support the event by making a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation through the Tour De Cure website .
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