“We don’t need donations. We’ve raised all our pledge money,” said the email from Howard Morris. In the realm of fundraising events, this was unique enough – until the rest of story surfaced.

TeamPhysio.Doc.com has rallied $32,239 in pledges (exceeding their target goal by over $4,000) to support the 2009 Ride to Conquer Cancer.

The eight-man team gearing up for the epic 280km ride from Vancouver to Seattle on June 20 and 21 clearly understands the tough ride pales in comparison to battling cancer.

Morris, owner of Cloverdale Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic in Clover Square Village, is a born and educated South African physiotherapist now living in Cloverdale. His mother, Minky, is a lung cancer survivor. His sister, Joy, has been battling breast cancer for a year and half. 

“I have treated many patients who have had some form of cancer,” he reflects.

“Some were lucky enough to survive…others were less fortunate. But, what really inspired me to form our cycling team was the character of all these patients who have displayed such a positive attitude.”

“Their determined fights for survival inspired me,” he recalls.

“It was their will to live, their respect for the little, less important things in life - like a walk through the forest, or a stimulating conversation.”

One TeamPhysio.Doc.Com rider is a testicular cancer survivor, another is a prostate cancer survivor. Despite surgery in each case, neither are daunted by the ride.

“What impresses me is their drive to carry on and enjoy life,” says Morris, explaining that the pending ride is 140km per day broken by a tent stopover en route at night.

“One of our members, Dr Anthony Egnal, was an adopted child who was reunited with his birth family after 40 years. Sadly, Anthony’s new-found brother, Colin, passed away from cancer last year.”

The international eight-man team comprises three Vancouver riders, a New Zealander arriving on June 18 specifically for the ride, three Americans from Seattle, and Cloverdale’s Howard Morris.

Each member has his own blog.

Robert Cape thinks of the battle his father, Michael, has won, plus a list of others beginning with the loss of a 31 year-old friend seven years ago.

“Think of a world in which everyone could say: Well, they caught it early, so I’ll be fine,” writes Larry Engel.

“The best Anti-Aging intervention is to avoid, screen, detect and treat cancer aggressively,” says anti-aging specialist Dr. Gidon Frame.

“Cycling and exercising are important lifestyle choices which we are celebrating in our quest to conquer cancer.”

Survivor Antony Jankelowitz recalls his own cancer experience by saying, “I am taking part in the ride since I feel it is my duty to give something back to the know-how, research, and care currently available.”

“It will be a challenge in a number of ways,” Robin Friedlander notes. “But with my bike, my helmet, and your generosity, a real impact will be made!”

“Last Sunday we rode 100km around UBC down past Jericho Beach to Stanley Park” reports Morris. “We stopped for breakfast in Yaletown, made our way over the Granville Bridge to Richmond and then returned to SW Marine Drive. I must confess, the three of us ended with a well-earned two hour nap! We are starting to taper off to 20-40km rides as the event approaches,” he chuckles, adding, “The topic of conversation does gravitate to the length of saddle time required, and the best support medium—riding pants, or a Harley Davidson motorbike replacement seat!”

Despite reaching their goals, if you wish to keep these big wheels a-rolling donate anyway. It’s tax deductible, and the life it saves could be yours.

Access the team blogs at http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/hmorris or call 604-574-4342 for more information.

editor@cloverdalereporter.com