SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A Summerside couple is combining a love of cycling with an opportunity to raise money for a special charity.
Marcel and Jolline Richard are in the Great Cycle Challenge to Fight Kids Cancer during the month of August. Proceeds will go to the SickKids Foundation.
“We decided to buy these bikes in March just before COVID-19,” said Jolline. “Whenever I saw the event, I thought it’s a perfect opportunity to get out using them and raise money for a great event.”
Jolline has pledged to cycle 200 kilometres, which she says will be a challenge, while Marcel, who has cycled before but not as intense as this, has committed to cover 300 kilometres.
Combined, the husband-and-wife team has raised more than $11,000. As of Sunday morning, Jolline sat first in P.E.I. raising $6,072 while Marcel was second at $5,175.
“For the time of year and everything that is going on, we just want to say thank you to everyone for everything that they have done,” said Marcel. “It puts a lump in our throats, that’s for sure.”
Motivation
Jolline, a receptionist for a local doctor, noted the couple is motivated by young patient Camden Kingyens, a Summerside native who is being treated for medulloblastoma, the most common type of brain cancer in children.
“I’m riding to honour him,” said Jolline.
Camden’s grandmother, Tanyia Kingyens, said the family – dad Matt, mother Victoria (nee Gallant) and Camden’s older brother, Nate – are all in Boston, where he underwent his first of 30 proton therapy treatments on Thursday. Camden previously underwent treatments in Halifax and Toronto.
“The entire Kingyens and Gallant families are all so humbled at the output of love and generosity from our Island community,” said Tanyia. “The fact that Jolline and Marcel would take up the charge of fundraising for childhood cancer and want to do it in Camden’s name is rather humbling.”
Tanyia said Camden has been “doing wonderful” and he had about a five-week break from treatment. She says doctors wanted him to build up energy and his motor skills again. His grandmother says the youngster is walking again "really, really well."
“This is the last treatment option they have to offer Camden,” said Tanyia. “The doctors are amazed at how well he is doing clinically for all that Camden has been through the months leading up to this.”
“This is the last treatment option they have to offer Camden. The doctors are amazed at how well he is doing clinically for all that Camden has been through the months leading up to this.”
- Tanyia Kingyens
Quick decision
Marcel said it was a quick decision to commit once Jolline suggested getting involved in the fundraiser. He added it’s also turned into a friendly competition for the couple.
“As we got into it, it became interesting,” said Marcel. “We talk to each other and see what each other has for sponsors and we keep close tabs on each other.”
The Richards cycle through the City of Summerside, Rotary Friendship Park and the Confederation Trail. They attempt to bike every evening after supper and normally cover 17 to 18 kilometres each time.
“We feel guilty if we don’t bike,” said Marcel. “Some of them (sick children) do not have a chance to bike and I’m sure they’d love to bike.”
Jolline added the ability to ride in honour of sick children inspires her and Marcel.
“We are always thinking of them,” added Jolline.
WATCH: Marcel and Jolline Richard train for the Great Cycle Challenge to Fight Kids Cancer:
For more information on Marcel and Jolline Richard’s participation in the Great Cycle Challenge to Fight Kids Cancer, visit greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/JollineRichard/b and greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/MarcelRichard/b. The couple is continuing to fundraise through to the end of August and anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking on the link above or contacting Marcel or Jolline.
