Team Pason rides in Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer

August 12, 2024

On July 20 and 21, 2024, a group of dedicated Pasonites hopped on their bikes, pedalling to support the fight against cancer.

This wasn't just any bike ride, however. Nine Calgary employees rode in the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer, with all funds raised going to the Alberta Cancer Foundation!

This is Pason's first year forming a team, and we raised $56,731!

The Cancer Foundation uses these dollars to support the priority needs of the cancer system, fund world-class research, offer programs such as the Patient Financial Assistance Program, Patient Navigation Program and the Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Enhancement Project, as well as improve the patient experience at the 17 Alberta Health Services cancer centres.

Kristin, Facilities and Admin Supervisor, led the team as the captain. Kristin has participated in the tour with another team, and this will be her third year of participating in the ride.

She recruited this year's nine members with the help of Bryce, VP, Operations, and Javier, Drilling Optimization EIT.

"I was amazed at the interest after our first lunch 'n' learn about the event and how we ended with a team of nine Pasonites, who each had their own reason for joining," Kristin said.

Kristin, Bryce, and Javier were joined by six other riders who work out of our Calgary Office:

Conrad, Technical Support Analyst &Trainer, Helpdesk
Daniel, Manager, Software Dev
Danielle, Contracts Administrator
Gene, Senior IT Advisor
Jeff, Team Lead, EDR T3
Jess, Senior UX Designer

Despite the hot weekend, with temperatures reaching almost 40 degrees C, our riders persevered and rode more than 200 km combined. On Saturday, July 20, riders arrived at the Strathmore Stampede Grounds, ready to start. Kristin said the sky was blue with only a slight smoke haze, but it was windy.

"Our team was nervous and excited, anticipating what was to come when the horn blew at 8 a.m., starting the first wave of riders," Kristin said.

There were 1,500 riders crossing the starting line on Saturday. The atmosphere was one of excitement as they began, travelling three different route options of 55-65 km, 100 km, and, for an extra challenge, 130 km! Bryce tackled the challenge route like a champ!

Throughout the ride, there were pitstops with water, snacks, and other services, a stop for lunch, and, of course, cheer stations where sponsors’ friends and family could cheer riders on.

That was a personal highlight of the weekend for Kristin.

She said, "The challenging ride reminds me why I am doing this, and the cheer stations help encourage you to continue pushing those pedals."

The two-day experience was tiring. Kristin noted that the first day was challenging, and the team saw little of each other. However, on the final day of the ride, our Pasonites came together to cheer each other on.

"A few team members stayed at the end to cheer on the rest of the teammates finishing on the last day," Kristin said. "That was unexpected when I came through and felt very heartwarming!"

Gene said he didn't know what to expect from the ride. Although he is an experienced rider, he noted that everyone was very encouraging, regardless of skill level.

"I met and talked to people who were Cancer survivors as well as people who rode for a person currently battling cancer or in a person's memory," Gene said, "Spending the day meeting and talking to these people was very special for me."

Gene recalled on the first day, passing a group of bagpipers supporting all the riders and a family watching from their driveway equipped with Super Soakers, which helped keep the participants cool.

"That's when I knew I was at a special event."

Jess said the event was a mixture of excitement, melancholy, inspiration, and hope.

"Excitement in participating and being part of a movement for change," she said. "Melancholy in reflecting on the struggles our loved ones have faced and inspired by their strength and perseverance. Hope to create a better future for those fighting cancer and treatments."

In the end, however, our participating Pasonites do this for the millions of people battling cancer.

Kristin said, "I can only speak for myself in saying this event and raising funds to continue the battle against cancer is important to me because I can find some purpose in what my late husband, Thomas Hewton-Waters and myself went through. I will continue this journey regardless of the weather, how much pain I may be in during the ride, or how fatigued I am afterwards because it does not compare to the battle against cancer Thomas endured for 11 months. I will continue to bug everyone I know to donate to this cause in hopes to help someone live a lot longer, or ideally, one day, not hear the words, 'you have cancer.'"

Gene said, "Raising money for Cancer research is important as everyone in their lifetime will either be affected by cancer or know someone who has or will battle cancer. From relatives who I have lost to cancer, I have seen firsthand how the money raised by these events helps the people who need it."

Jess said, "Many of us have all been touched by this devastating disease in some way. This ride provides a platform for individuals to support cancer research, honour loved ones and make an impact on the lives of people who are currently affected by cancer."

We couldn't have done this ride without our gracious sponsors for this initiative. Thank you to everyone who donated, as well as our corporate sponsors:

Team Pason is already signed up for next year's Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer!

All members of Team Pason were thankful to the sponsors, donors, and supporters of their ride this year.

We can't wait for next year!

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Team Pason rides in Enbridge Tour

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