His sister's four-year battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma inspired Frank Zechner to take part in this year's Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.
As she fought the disease, Zechner, ever the supportive brother, focused on participating in charitable events, typically running or biking in nature.
"Through those, I became aware of the plight of kids with cancer," said Zechner, in an interview Tuesday morning, just days after his first fundraising effort.
He and fellow Sears National Kids Cancer rider, Helene Fournier, completed a six-hour continuous spin on stationary bikes outside the Bank of Montreal on Bloor Street West last Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Through the generosity of Bloor West Village shoppers, the two raised more than $700 towards the coast to coast ride.
They are planning another outdoor spin this Saturday, Jan. 30 at Loblaws, 2280 Dundas St. W., south of Bloor Street, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and expect much more frigid temperatures. The forecast is calling for -11 degrees Celsius early morning and warming to just -6C, said Zechner. Whenever training gets tough, he thinks of the kids.
"One of the things that strikes me about kids' cancer is how much more difficult it is for children to cope," he said. "Their immune systems and organs aren't fully developed yet. How do they cope with throbbing pain that's beyond description? I can't begin to know how that feels."
The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride is one of the largest and most gruelling charity cycling events benefitting childhood cancer research worldwide. Cyclists must ride a 15-day, 7,000-kilometre trans-Canada odyssey from Vancouver to Halifax. More than 40 selected national riders will cross the country with support from thousands of others, who will join them for shorter cycling stints. They raise funds in the name of charities that work to improve the quality of life with children and their families dealing with cancer.
Zechner, a long-time Swansea resident and Fournier, who recently moved to Roncesvalles Village, must each raise a required $25,000 to fund the ride. In addition, the two must pay more than $4,000 out of their own pockets to ensure that every cent contributed will go directly to the research into children's cancer treatments, treatments and family support.
Both Fournier and Zechner are chronicling their fundraising and training journey on their blogs at www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com
Zechner, a self-described semi-competitive and recreational cyclist, has been relying on the training schedule provided by the ride organizers.
"By July, I'll be doing 45 hours a week of extreme cardio," he said. "It'll be a real challenge to fit it into my regular work schedule."
It'll mean a little less TV and movies, he added.
His training has prompted Zechner to become a spinning instructor. He goes for his certification early next month.
Zechner first met Fournier early this year after he learned the two would be participating in the ride and lived so close to each other. They went for their first training run with their dogs in High Park.
Last year, Fournier started competing in triathlons.
"It changed my life," she said. "I realized how lucky I am to be fit and to have access to basic resources and caring people. I realized how fortunate I am and I wanted to give back."
Fournier moved from Edmonton to Roncesvalles Village last August with her husband to be closer to family. Her father, who lives in Quebec, has had two tumors, one of them malignant. He is seeing his doctor regularly, she said, and doing quite well, considering.
Meeting people who had already participated in the national ride motivated Fournier to get involved.
"I know how debilitating cancer is," she said. "The difference we can make is a lot bigger than 50 years ago. We're able to build awareness all over the world. We're steps away from curing 100 per cent of cases."
If you would like to contribute or help in any way, log onto www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com