It wouldn’t be a Lloydminster summer without local cancer fighter Jarrod Russell hitting the trails.
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This year is no different. Russell is entering his 11th year riding in the Great Cycle Challenge, with proceeds helping kids fighting cancer.
Officially crossing into his 50s, Russell plans to mark the big 5-0 with a bigger year of fundraising. He has set his sights high and hopes to raise $50,000.
“Sendin’ it high,” he said of his fundraising goal.
He put the pedal to the metal last year, riding more than 1,500 kilometres and raising $32,554.
This year, his annual fundraising campaign kicked off with a wildly successful event, Taste of Tuscany. The event was hosted at Grace United Church and featured a pasta supper, ice cream bar and silent auction.
With support from the Lloydminster community, which has long backed his efforts, Russell raised $28,572.65 through the event to start the year.
“It was just crazy, the business community and friends and family that own businesses were just remarkable in supporting Jarrod,” said Lana Lane, Russell’s sister. “Everybody just showed up, we were so jammed in the church.”
The venue was packed with well over 200 people in attendance. Despite the crowd, it still felt like a family event.
“We wanted it to feel like coming to a Russell family supper,” said Lane. “It felt cozy, it felt warm.
“We cooked it, we made it and we ran around and served people.”
The support left the family feeling extremely thankful.
“It was so heartwarming to see family and friends come together for a cause Jarrod feels so strongly about,” she said, taking a moment to thank Diamond 7 Meats for supporting Russell’s efforts.
He doesn’t appear to be slowing down and has already started training.
“I have 22 rides in already,” he said on May 14. “When the snow melts, I’m probably out.”
He is still getting set up for this year of fundraising.
“I just have to get my posters up on my bike, but it’s running pretty good,” said Russell.
He said he is going to keep riding until he can’t anymore.
“Yeah, for a cure,” he said. “I’m still holding to that.”
The cause of childhood cancer hits close to home for Russell.
“As a childhood survivor myself,” he explained.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was four and still battles the side effects of his cancer treatment.
He has epilepsy, partial paralysis on his right side and limited movement in his arm, fingers and legs.
It’s still full steam ahead for Russell, although he took a moment to reflect on the more than 12,000 kilometres ridden and $304,000 raised for SickKids.
“I can’t believe it, the amount of money I raised,” he said.
Russell previously rode for Braxton Weidman, a nine-year-old who died following a 17-month battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, and Ben Stelter, an Edmonton Oilers fan who also died after battling brain cancer.
“Every year it’s a different kid that has cancer,” said Russell. “Every day, I think it’s over 1,000 diagnosed daily with cancer.”
Russell is the top all-time fundraiser in Canada and the third-highest fundraiser overall.
“He’s just relentless (in fundraising),” said Lane.
A popular event from last year is returning with the glow ride.
“People in the community are encouraged to ride their bikes,” said Lane, noting the Aug. 19 event is not a fundraiser, but rather a ride alongside Jarrod. “People are encouraged to deck out their bikes. It’s just a time to come together and support the community and get some exercise.”
Looking ahead to next year, Russell said he will likely hit the trails again and continue his fundraising efforts.
“Yeah probably,” he said about cycling again next year for the Great Cycle Challenge.
Donations to Russell’s efforts can be made online at Greatcyclechallenge.ca/riders/JarrodQRussell.
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