A county resident is biking hundreds of kilometres to fundraise for childhood cancer research.
Katie Woodward will cycle a minimum of 500 kilometres through August in hopes of raising $6,500 for the Sick Kids Foundation. Before the month even started, Woodward had already passed the $3,400 mark.
“I don’t have kids, but I’ve got family members who have battled cancer and friends who have battled cancer,” says Woodward. “And I imagine dealing with all of that emotional trauma and physical trauma, and being a child or being parents of a child. So I am a cyclist anyway, and I figured if I’m going to be biking, why not be biking and do something good?”
Woodward says her husband lost both parents to cancer and has been through several surgeries for skin cancer, adding a friend of hers is currently being treated for breast cancer. “It’s just so prevalent, it’s horrible. But this is part of why I’m doing this, because there’s hope. And hopefully we can kick it someday”
It’s Woodward’s second year of fundraising– with a goal of $500 last year, she rode more than 600 kilometres and ended up raising nearly $6,200. “Thank you to so many generous people and businesses,” she says.
Woodward says she plans to put in 80 kilometres on Saturday, and will also be participating in the eight-hour Hurtin’ in Haliburton race next month to raise more funds and awareness.
You can donate to Woodward’s campaign here.
“I know times are tough, but even $10 makes a huge difference, and it’s so, so appreciated,” says Woodward.