Wes Bauer was in Charlottetown as part of Chase the Cure, a cross-country bike tour to raise money for cancer research. Guardian photo by Nathan Rochford

The first time Wes Bauer saw his father cry, he knew something was wrong.
Being the president and CEO of the CFL team the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Bauer’s father, Lyle, wasn’t a man that cried very often.
He ran a football team, benched more than 200 pounds and was an all around tough guy.
So, when Wes saw him tear up in the front seat of the car one day after school four years ago, he knew something was serious.
And there was. Lyle had been diagnosed with throat cancer.
“It was probably the hardest day of my life,” said Wes Bauer, 20. “When your dad is an (offensive lineman) and just this beast on the field, I never saw him cry, so I knew something was wrong.”
In the weeks and months that followed and as Bauer’s father continued treatment after treatment, it just got harder to watch.
“Seeing him beaten down by something I couldn’t see was tremendous,” Bauer said.
It was a sad story, but with a very positive twist at the end.
Bauer’s father is now cancer free and has been for four years and Bauer, having been inspired by his father’s courage throughout the ordeal, has launched himself into a cross-country bike ride to raise money for cancer research.
Known as Chase the Cure, Bauer has been biking since May 14, when he left Victoria, B.C., heading east.
Supported by the CFL along the way Bauer has spent the past couple months visiting cities across the country, raising money and learning about other people’s struggles with cancer.
Sunday, he was in Charlottetown.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” he said. “It’s been one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”
He said he’s learned a lot while en route, not only about the disease but about the power of the human spirit.
“This disease affects everyone,” he said. “Whether directly or indirectly.”
As for the people he’s met along the way, Bauer said, if it weren’t for their stories, he might not be where he is now.
“You thrive off them for inspiration,” he said. “They’re the heroes behind all this. I’m just a normal Canadian trying to make a difference.”
Already the campaign has raised more than $70,000 for cancer research.
However, that money stays where it was raised, supporting local hospitals and research in the areas that it was donated.
But, Bauer’s journey isn’t exactly finished. While he’s managed to raise a substantial amount of cash for the cause, he still has another 1,300 kilometres to go before finishing in St. John’s, N.L., after which, he said, the campaign could still continue on.
“This is just the beginning of Chase the Cure,” he said. “We’re going to work very hard as a family to find a cure. We’re going to take this as far as we can.”
For more information or to make a donation visit www.chasethecure.ca.