Jenn Currie’s first experience with BMO Ride for Cancer began as a volunteer, but she quickly became so inspired by the event that she couldn’t resist the urge to take part as a rider.
While volunteering during a past event day, she spotted a rider struggling close to the finish line. She stopped what she was doing, ran up beside the rider, and began cheering her on. The rider, Kathy McPherson, and Jenn remain friends to this day.
“We were both crying and it made me then want to ride because she inspired me,’’ she affectionately recalls. “We connected after the ride and she knitted me a pair of mittens. I just love her and I see her every year at BMO Ride for Cancer.’’
Jenn grew up in Timberlea and works in the Physics and Atmospheric Science Department at Dalhousie University. She’s also a full-time mother and part-time outdoor adventurist on both bicycle and foot with family and friends.
Jenn is part of the Sockstars BMO Ride team, which includes seven other female coworkers who will be riding 100 kilometres on the trail together. It will be the fourth BMO Ride event for Jenn, who had a cancer scare of her own in the past and has had plenty of family and friends affected by the disease – including her grandmother who had breast cancer.
Jenn has been a longtime supporter of BMO Ride for Cancer host organization, the QEII Foundation, having organized Bust-A-Move fundraisers (a past QEII Foundation event for breast cancer) in honor of her grandmother for several years.
She was thrilled to discover BMO Ride for Cancer, which combined her passion for giving back and cycling.
“When I learned about BMO Ride for Cancer, it just made sense to get involved in any way I could,” she says. “Several friends have been affected by cancer and, ultimately, the equipment and technology funded by the event. I’m seeing people’s lives be affected by the treatments and some friends are powering through and are now cancer-free, which is amazing, but there are also losses,’’ she explains.
The Sockstars team collaborates in its fundraising efforts by joining forces to collect donations from local accommodations and experiences and through raffle ticket sales. They’ve also had companies sponsor them by hosting a night dedicated to raising money for the team and have even collaborated with riders from other teams.
When it comes to her personal fundraising efforts, Jenn says her family, friends and social network have always been very supportive and those who aren’t able to donate monetarily, often send her messages of support or share the team’s fundraising events as a way of helping out.
“I’ve found that the first few donations always come flying in from family and friends first, and quickly followed by simply sharing that I’m doing the ride on my social platform. There is quite the community of good humans in my Instagram network who are so extremely supportive.’’
Her reason for participating is simple: she has the health and drive to do so. However, she also wants to be able to do it for those who wish they could join the ride but can’t. She feels great about being a part of a community making such an impact on cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, which serves as the region’s largest and most specialized cancer treatment hospital.
“Cancer is everywhere and that’s why I’m riding. It’s the people in the community that are affected by it, so by participating, donating, or volunteering your time, you’re doing it for your family and friends and possibly even yourself down the road,’’ she adds.
Jenn is most looking forward to the “buzz and positive vibes” that fill the air on BMO Ride event day (Sept. 28).
Feelings of gratitude will be on her mind, knowing all too well that although she’s healthy enough to be doing the ride now, that could change at any time. Crossing the finish line is like a “dose of dopamine” for her, excited to have personally completed the ride and sharing in the jubilation of others as they follow suit.
“I’ll feel accomplished and proud of everyone that’s there and proud of everyone that has fundraised. It’s such an incredible moment…I can’t wait.’’
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