Suzanne and Andy are a husband-and-wife team from the Valley, riding the 100km trail option in this year’s BMO Ride for Cancer.
Together, they run Spisani Designs, a custom jewellery studio: Suzanne is the crafts person and goldsmith, while Andy does their digital design, casting, and photography. Between creating new designs and jewellery repair, the two love spending time with their dog Ollie and being outdoors.
“Life is busy running a small business, but cycling has always been something we enjoy doing together and a way to stay connected.”
Suzanne and Andy, like many of us, have felt the impact of cancer. In 2024, Andy went through treatment for hairy cell leukemia — a rare form of blood cancer — at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Together, they ride to “give back and help improve cancer care close to home”, and to honor late family members and friends.
They know personally how support can be life-changing and motivating and are wholly dedicated to pay it forward: “On and off the bike, you’re surrounded by people who all have different stories but the same goal. It reminds us that even small individual efforts become something powerful when a community comes together.”
With their busy schedules as entrepreneurs, it was only natural to incorporate fundraising into their jewellery business. Suzanne and Andy are donating a portion of the sales from hand engraved charms to the ride this year and encouraging their local community to support BMO Ride for Cancer with signs and word-of-mouth.
“Our team is small, just the two of us to be exact, but I’m determined to give back to the hospital that saved Andy’s life,” says Suzanne.
They find time to train in their every day, fitting in low pressure rides around work whenever they can. “Every donation helps improve treatment, equipment, research and patient care. Supporting the ride means not only us and future treatments Andy might require, but you’re also supporting neighbours, friends and families when they need it most,” explains Suzanne.
Proudly hosted by the QEII Foundation, BMO Ride for Cancer is one of Canada’s top five peer-to-peer cycling events. Since 2015, our BMO Ride for Cancer community has raised over $15 million net (and counting!) to fund cancer-fighting technology, equipment and spaces at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. This is the final year for the BMO Ride for Cancer.
