L-R: Mike Bonin; and Jordan Yetman, Andy Townsend, Lisa Bonin and Mike Bonin pictured in their capes at the 2022 BMO Ride for Cancer event.
If you’ve seen pink capes flash by you on the trail or at the finish line during past BMO Ride for Cancer events, it was likely one of the many loved ones riding in honour and memory of Linda Bonin. According to her husband of 44 years, Mike Bonin, the annual cycling event has grown into a real family affair with four generations now riding and raising funds for cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
Mike and Linda were high school sweethearts who “married young” and went on to have three daughters. Linda is described as a rock-solid Mom and Nana, whose devotion to her family was unwavering – always finding ways to make every day extraordinary.
Linda sadly passed away in 2021 of breast cancer, after “a brave and courageous battle”. But according to Mike, she was the reason the family first got involved with BMO Ride for Cancer in 2020 after learning event proceeds funded cancer-fighting equipment for fellow patients.
“Linda inspired us to want to help the community, other patients and families and just do good,” says Mike. “I’m so thankful my family is onboard in continuing her legacy.”
Despite facing her own cancer diagnosis, Linda registered to ride for the 2020 event and fundraised nearly $6,000. Mike explains that while she was “very motivated to do the BMO Ride event that year”, her chemotherapy cycle and treatments meant she wasn’t physically able to complete it on her own. That’s when Mike sprang into action, determined to help Linda reach her goal.
“I found a friend that has a bicycle built for two – a tandem bike – and she rode the first kilometre of our 25-kilometre ride with me, then jumped into a van with her sister and family to follow our journey,” says Mike. “During the last kilometre, she got back on the tandem bike and we finished the ride together,’’ he affectionately remembers.
Created by daughter, Lisa, the original pink cape team is pictured at the 2020 event, including (from left to right) Jordan Yetman, Arron Bonin, Mike Bonin, Andy Townsend, Lisa Bonin and Linda Bonin.
The fact that all funds raised through BMO Ride for Cancer support and advance local cancer care is incredibly important to Mike and his family. Linda received all her cancer treatments at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, where he says she received the best possible care.
“The staff at the QEII Cancer Centre and Medical Day Unit were just out of this world,” says Mike. “They’re very compassionate people who work tirelessly every day – we’re so grateful for the support and care they provided to Linda and our family.”
Mike and his family ride as part of the Evolve Fitness team. Eight of Linda’s loved ones, including Mike, now ride in her honor and memory. This includes two of their three daughters and their partners, two grandchildren and Mike’s 86-year-old father – all of whom will be wearing pink capes with a photo of Linda, loving attached to their backs.
Together they’ll be cycling 25 kilometres on the Rum Runners Trail for the 2024 event, accommodating the wide range of ages and abilities on their family team.
It’s the incredible sense of community spirit and feeling of accomplishment that keeps Mike coming back year-after-year. Crossing the finish line knowing he has done “something really great” and meaningful is always exhilarating and exciting for him.
“I feel that it’s a sense of accomplishment that so many people are riding for such a great and common goal and that people are there together for the same reason. It’s such an amazing motivational factor that we’re all striving for that,’’ he adds.
Our BMO Ride for Cancer event day will be also be a day of reflection for Mike as he looks back on the great life he and Linda shared over their 44-year marriage as well as his beautiful family. He believes Linda will be watching over them on September 28.
“I’m thankful that I got to spend as much time as I did with her and we have the memory and legacy of who inspired our family to first join the ride,” says Mike. “She was always thinking of others and giving back to the community – doing this event each year is a wonderful way to honour that.’’
Linda (left) pictured with husband Mike at the 2020 BMO Ride for Cancer.
This story is powered by:
