The Ride To Conquer Cancer

Today marked the first day of The Ride To Conquer Cancer. We walk through life thinking we are so small in the grand scheme of things, that it is very difficult for us to make a big difference in the fight against cancer. I beg to differ, and I have proof that, that it isn't so.

Team iConquer-Little/Kosick. This is a group of men who have combined their passion and loss for the greater good of those still fighting the fight and for the memory of those that were taken from us too soon. I could go into the detail of their losses, but I believe it is enough to say that these men have been touched by cancer in a staggering way that has inspired them to do what is within their ability in order to make a difference.

I am so proud that this team of men, who have NOT had any corporate sponsorship, have achieved an amazing fundraising goal of $150,000.00. I could not be prouder to call many of these men, my friend. I am also immensely proud of the women behind them who have supported their efforts in a very major way. For every man on the team, there is a wife and children that have shown incredible love and appreciation for the efforts spent by these men and they themselves have coordinated highly successful fundraisers on these riders behalves.

This week my own family has been faced with another fight against cancer. This Ride To Conquer Cancer has an especially deep meaning for us this year. Each participant in the ride has deep appreciation from everyone in our clan. They all have our deep gratitude as always, and in past years we have remembered those we know who are fighting cancer and those who have fought this ugly disease. This year we call on all of the angels that are watching from above, supporting the riders and ask them to work a little over time this year and to watch over our young family member who is new to the fight and needs a little extra help from above to stay brave and to heal quickly and for courage for his parents that are trying so incredibly hard to be strong at this time of transition.

Along with the help of everyone's angels, we are counting on the power of prayer to aid in the healing journey of this young person. I was delighted to sponsor a few of my friends this year on the iConquer team, never did I realize that I would be as grateful to them as I am for doing their part in a search to help my very own family again, by so selflessly fundraising for this year's ride.

Team iConquer is proof that we can all make a difference, especially when we join forces and decide that we are going to make a change and to make a difference. Thank you to each of those honourable men.

It makes me wonder... does the iconquer team accept girls?

xo t.

Unplugged.

Now that we have settled in after our recent return from Mexico, we have been able to digest all of what we saw and experienced. Being away in Mexico for over two months with my immediate family was a gift that just keeps on giving.

The purpose of our trip was to unplug from society and to really dive into our family unit as a whole, while experiencing new things together that would further bond us. Our foundation as a family has always been solid, but nothing would have been able to further solidify our connections the way moving to a different country where everyone else speaks a different language could. We did not go to a popular vacation destination, rather we went to a small town that happened to be a kite surfing mecca, that also worked in our favour.

The trip itself was outstanding. The people we met, the way the country treated us, the memories that were made, all were simply beautiful. Nothing however, could have prepared us for the fun and laughter that we would share together as a family unit. When we are amongst our daily routines, the work, the school, the social and business expectations, all of these responsibilities make it entirely impossible to have the levity to embrace the ease that it takes to find yourself in a space of that kind of lightness where simple pleasures reside.

Upon our return, I have had many people ask me what was the greatest take away. I have to say that despite how many people showed concern about us taking that kind of time off and away, it was the greatest gift we have given ourselves. The greatest take away was that life is a hamster wheel, and it was the first time we had ever gotten off of it. We for the first time were not on anyone's schedule except for our own whim of what feels right for us in that moment. Living in the moment, truly for the first time as a family. Watching our children live in the moment was the real highlight.

I wish this experience for each of you. It need not be a two month adventure, but ask yourself when the last time was that you actually unplugged the computer, put away your iPhone, didn't once turn on a radio or television, for the entire two week holiday you were on? How about even for a week end? I promise you that you won't be disappointed at the sense of freedom you will get, when you also make the decision to unplug and jump off the hamster wheel.

Happy Unplugging!

xo t.

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