Cyclists across Vancouver Island are joining forces for hospice care through the 10th Annual Cycle of Life Tour.
Our very own team, the Cowichan Life Cyclers, will ride 200 kilometers on August 26-27, 2023. As of August 16, the team has raised over $43,000.
Team member Rachel Anderson loves community-building cycling that supports a cause. “This past year, my brother’s chronic illness brought him to the decision to discontinue dialysis,” she says. “His wish to die at home was assured by the beautiful care of palliative support and his family. Both joy and sorrow are a communal reality, so this year I ride both for joy in this life and for assurance that this same joy helps others as they pass to the next life.”
Cycling is team member Marianne Palou’s passion, but this year she is riding to help provide families with access to for their elderly family at the end of their lives. “I ride in memory of my parents,” she says. “My mom wanted to die at home. My dad never had a chance to go into hospice as he died really fast.”
“Riders are special,” says team member Gretchen Hartley.” I ride to participate in a community of people who care about the beautiful work of hospice!”
“I ride because it’s a way of giving thanks to the many who provide end-of-life care,” says rider Mary Hof. “My dad didn’t want to die in hospital but there was no Hospice House. I am thankful there is one now and will ride in his memory.
Having provided palliative and end-of-life care in communities with and without hospice care, an anonymous team member adds that hospice is a wonderful service to patients, families and healthcare providers. “I ride because anything I can do to assist to grow this service is worth the effort and that effort is made more enjoyable by those who are joining in this ride,” they say.
Click here to make a donation to the Cowichan Life Cyclers.
