As the pandemic drags on we don't yet know what this years Cycle of Life Tour will look like. But it will almost certainly be different from "normal" yet again. Regardless of how the ride is organize though, the need for hospice care is as great as ever! So, we continue to raise funds to support our local hospice and will participate in the ride in some form. There are 4 members from my regular biking group, the Half Fast Riders, that are a part of the Oceanside Hospice Wheelers again this year. 

I'm very sad to say that our little Half Fast Riders group recently lost yet another one of our members after a short battle with cancer. This is the third time we've lost a member in the past three years and we are feeling it even more so with the inability to be together in grieving.  Barry was a very gentle and supportive person. He was a keener, always one of the first to arrive at our meeting spot so there was time to chat. And he was always reminding everyone about the importance of communication, trying to keep us all safe. Barry had recently upgraded to an e-assist bike which allowed him to be back at the front of the pack again, especially on the uphills! His presence will be keenly missed once we are able to ride as a group again. 

Having now lost 3 friends to cancer recently has further emphasized to me how important support services are. I know that our local Oceanside Hospice is there to provide valuable support to those in palliative care and to their family and friends. Even though that care looks a bit different during this pandemic, it is none the less vitally important. In a typical year, Vancouver Island hospices provide end-of-life palliative care, counseling, bereavement support, and at-home care to over 12,000 patients and family members. Despite the value of their services, none are fully funded by our already stretched thin health care system. The care and comfort they provide is only possible because of generous community support.

Because the fundraising ride didn't happen last year, our 2020 fundraising goals and achievements have been carried over to 2021. Therefore, I’m trying to raise $4000 for our local Oceanside Hospice, our team goal is $40,000. But we need your support. 

Every donation, no matter what the size, will make a big difference and you will receive a tax-receipt. Simply click on the donate now to make your donation today! 

Thank you.