Cancer has touched each one of our lives on many different levels and many people are hopeful for a cure.
Ponoka resident and teacher Robyn Mcnalley will be making a difference in a big way. Mcnalley is currently training and collecting funds to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer on June 27 and 28.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Mcnalley. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge, this is the biggest thing that I’ve ever attempted.”
The inspiration for this challenge comes from her mother, who has been battling breast cancer. Mcnalley says that her four children are actively encouraging her in this ride and are enthusiastic about the fundraising as well.
This is the first time that the ride has been held in Alberta and will be from Calgary and continues along the Rockies with an overnight stop. Mcnalley says that the exact route has not been given to them yet.
There is expected to be about 1,500 riders that will participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer and Mcnalley is excited to be one of them.
“It’ll be great riding with all kinds of different people,” she said. “I’m hoping to meet some pretty amazing individuals.”
The bike ride will be 200 km and Mcnalley has been training hard for this challenge. Mcnalley has a personal trainer, Sheldon Ronnie, to help her prepare for the event six days a week. On her own, she has been biking to and from work and works on her endurance on weekends.
“People have been very supportive of this idea,” she said. “Everyone I’ve talked to about it has also been very excited.”
Mcnalley, an education rehab therapist at Ponoka Alternative Supports Schools (PASS) is required to raise $2,500 in order to be qualified to enter into the ride.
Funds can be donated by using the website, or giving the money directly to her, but Mcnalley is also putting some other ideas to action.
Mcnalley is planning, for May, a butterfly release to help raise funds as well as provide something special to the community. The butterflies will be packaged individually and anyone can purchase one. The butterflies can be released in memory or honour of someone, or for yourself, or just because you want to. Anyone is invited to come and watch whether they purchased a butterfly or not.
Mcnalley will also be setting up a booth at the Ponoka Trade Fair and will provide information on her goal and answer questions.
To sponsor Mcnalley today, visit www.conquercancer.ca and click on sponsor a participant or contact Mcnalley at robynmcnalley@hotmail.com for more information.
