A chance meeting at a Tim Horton’s on their way to the very first BMO Ride for Cancer a decade ago led to a very special friendship between Cheryl Jeffers-Johnson and Laura Ayer-Wile.
Although total strangers, the solo cyclists became instant friends that memorable day and actually biked the first 50 kilometres of their ride together. They quickly discovered just how much they had in common, including their birthdays.
“We’ve been friends ever since. If anything was meant to be, this is it,’’ shares Cheryl.
The following year they formed a team, Wheelin’ for Healing, in honour of Jason Fahey, the son of one of Laura’s close personal friends who was battling cancer at the time. Laura felt helpless and saw the ride as a way of doing something to help Jason who sadly passed away that October. It was also a way of honouring Laura’s late brother who also passed away from the disease at only 65 years old.
Cheryl, meanwhile, lost her mother, aunts, and a close personal friend to cancer and saw BMO Ride for Cancer as a way of challenging herself to cycle 100 kilometres and raise critical funds in support of local cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
“I think our BMO Ride for Cancer community, even though we only meet once a year to ride, is incredibly inspiring. We’re in a small province so the connections are innumerable – we can all be impacted by cancer and directly benefit from the funds we raise,’’ she goes on to say.
Although their team started out small, it has grown significantly to include 21 members in 2024. Cheryl has set an ambitious personal goal of raising $10,000 in recognition of her 10th year participating, while the team, which has raised $246,277 over the years, has set a goal of $37,500 for the 2024 event.
One of Cheryl’s most unique fundraisers has been a women’s adventure film series held in her hometown of Middle Musquodoboit the past two years, while Laura has held a successful wine draw for the past eight years along with auctions and other initiatives to raise money.
According to Cheryl, it’s the connections formed with total strangers and doing something for the greater good of others that inspires her the most about BMO Ride. She feels knowing we are all at risk helps bring the community together to support people living with cancer.
“It’s the connection to something bigger than yourself and the fact that we all know and love those who have cancer,’’ Cheryl adds.
On this year’s event day (Sept. 28), Cheryl will be reflecting on past rides, how far their team has come and the life-changing impact they’ve created over the years. And the fact that the annual cycling fundraiser takes place on her father’s birthday this year, makes the event that much more special for the mother of three who rides each year in memory of her late mom and several loved ones. As in past years, she suspects she and her teammates will already be talking about next year as they near the finish line.
“I think there’s a lot of reflection, but there’s also a lot of forward thinking because we’re already thinking about the following year.’’
Laura is married to Buck Wile who also rides on the Wheelin’ for Healing team. Together they have three children and six grandchildren. She’s looking forward to another amazing day filled with comradery, reflection, and gratitude for the support she has received as she rides 100 kilometres for all those affected by cancer in her life.
Every year, Laura writes down the names of those she is riding for “and to remember those who passed away from cancer”. She explains that even after all these years, she still gets tears in her eyes when she crosses the finish line.
“There’s always lots to think about and to be grateful for,” says Laura, encouraging others to support BMO Ride for Cancer in whatever way they can.
“We can all do something to help,” says Laura. “So many have joined our team in the last ten years and so many donate, support our draws and fundraisers and encourage us each year.”
For Laura and Cheryl, this year’s event day not only celebrates the 10th anniversary of Atlantic Canada’s largest cycling fundraiser but a decade of incredible friendship; something that’s sure to make this year’s BMO Ride for Cancer one for the history books.
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