Cochrane's Rick Deans and his brother in law Den Rattee are getting ready to bike 600 kilometres for a great cause.

The pair are two of 37 riders biking six days through Banff National Park and throughout the foothills for 'Cancervive'.

Deans will celebrate his one year anniversary of his last chemo treatment on the ride, and he is stoked. "I am totally pumped to get out on the highway and ride and build some friendships with some other people who have had the same kind of experience I've had or that are riding for loved ones or friends affected by cancer. So I am really excited to get that experience."

Deans an avid cycler has been training hard since May and while he prepares himself physically, the emotional journey will be much more arduous. "It is going to be extremely impactful; I think on the first day when we're all there as we all celebrate and leave together and definitely on the last day when there's going to be an opportunity for other people that want to participate in the event but didn't have six days in them. I know that is going to be extremely emotional."

Diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer just after his 50th birthday, Deans has a renewed appreciation for life and doesn't take anything for granted. Mounting a brand new road bike from Bike Bros, Deans has raised over $7000 for Wellspring, which he is happy to support. "Cancer is an overwhelming diagnosis, to begin with, and from my own experience, I can understand how it can affect people who without a proper support network, you can be lost both physically and mentally just dealing with the whole situation. Wellspring offers great support to people that have that unfortunate diagnosis physically, emotionally, and spiritually...it is a great organization. I was at their Carma house to look at some of their facilities, information, and services that they offer and it only strengthened my resolution that I am doing the right thing by supporting such a great cause." 

Deans riding partner Den Rattee is a 20-year cancer survivor and shares many of the same sentiments. While Deans will leave with the group on Tuesday (September 12), Rattee begins his ride today (September 9). While juggling a conference and his Masters, he is actually looking forward to Wednesday when he joins the group on day 2. "I am looking forward to clipping into my pedals and thinking of nothing else."

This is the first fundraising ride for Rattee and he feels prepared for the days ahead.

Peggy Brosens, with Wellspring, has also been involved Cancervive since 2008. While the first ride took place in 2005 from Calgary to Austin, Texas, the ride as of 2014 now stays more local making it less of a time and fundraising commitment for those wanting to be involved. In early years riders were expected to fundraise $10,000 while now riders commit to raising at least $3000. Cancervive is different than some other fundraising rides;  participation is limited to 40 riders, hotels are sponsored, and riders on this journey will ride anywhere from 96 km to 136 km daily over six days, climbing up to 1337m.

To date, the ride has raised 2.2 million dollars with 100% of the proceeds going directly to support Wellspring Calgary and Wellspring Edmonton programs and services. This year, riders have raised a whopping $130, 597 with funds still being accepted.

Brosens shares nowadays cancer affects everyone; whether yourself, loved one, or friend, we all know someone either recently diagnosed, in treatment, surviving or unfortunately deceased. "Working here at Wellspring, I see every day how much it helps people."

Wellspring's vision is no one should face cancer alone. Providing programs, services, and referrals for free, the network of community support centres helps those living with cancer and their families with emotional, social, practical and restorative needs. 

For Deans, going through cancer himself, he understands the importance of Wellspring's role. "To me being a patient myself, I understand the need for immediate support as you're going through your own process; that rang truly home for me that support is needed now so it seemed the right organization to work with."

Deans will set off on this life changing journey riding for himself, a newly diagnosed friend, and a friend recently lost.

If you would like to donate to Rick's ride you can do so here, no donation is too small. 

To view where Deans and Rattee will be riding and to learn more, check out Cancervive.

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52 Stories: Rick Deans