Last week’s Ride to Conquer Cancer in Burns Lake raised over $2000.
Approximately 25 riders participated in the event organized by Roxie Harms, Burns Lake native and cousin of the late Marlene Feldmann. The weekend ride in Burns Lake was part of a larger campaign by the Roxi Rollers 2013 Ride to Conquer Cancer benefitting the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
Derek Feldmann, Marlene’s husband, and Roxie Rollers team member, took a moment to talk about how important raising awareness around early cancer detection really is.
Marlene was only 46 when she died of colon cancer, a form of the disease that usually strikes men and at a later age.
“It was 18 months from diagnosis to the end,” recalled Derek. “By the time it was found it was already in stage four. It had metastasized already.”
For Derek, the importance of early detection can’t be emphasized enough. He and Marlene were always active in efforts to raise money in support of cancer research.
“Marlene and I always did the Terry Fox run for years and years, never realizing how close to home it would hit,” he said. “This community, and the North in general, is absolutely amazing in the amount of money they will put out for cancer research.”
A fund at the Vanderhoof hospital cancer clinic has also been established - the Marlene Feldman Help Fund for the Vanderhoof Ruby Ellen Van Andel Community Cancer Service.
One of the ways Derek helps raise money for that fund is through a donation tin at his regular kid’s picnics at his farm just east of Burns Lake.
“I’ve got critters and a playground,” said Derek. “I invite parents with kids out so they can see the animals and use the playground. It’s a kid-centred thing.”
The money raised in last weekend’s out and back ride from Burns Lake to Francois Lake was the result of proceeds from a garage sale and a special pulled-pork sandwich lunch at the Wagon Wheel Drive-in across from the ferry, as well as from a spaghetti dinner held later that evening at the Grapevine Pub and Bistro in Burns Lake.
So far, the Roxie Rollers have raised almost $40,000. They set out with the goal of raising $27,500.
“It’s absolutely amazing how supportive this community is,” said Derek.