The Niagara College Big Move team kicked off the annual Niagara Health Big Move Cancer Ride on September 10. Perfect riding weather greeted the riders as they set off from and returned to the picturesque White Meadows Farm, filling the day with purpose and passion.
This year, a formidable contingent of 32 riders from NC embarked on the 25, 50, and 75-kilometer routes, showcasing the College’s dedication to the event. As of today, the team has proudly raised over $16,000.
Leading the charge were Co-captains, Joanne Maltby, Manager of Global Customized Training & Consulting, and Mike Pasquale, Associate Director of Strategic Procurement. They were the driving force behind Team NC, revving up the college community to join in, orchestrating training rides, and ensuring everyone was prepped and eager for the main event.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the strong turnout from the NC community,” said Maltby. “Seeing the team expand so impressively since its start in 2019, both in size and fundraising success, has been truly remarkable.”
President Sean Kennedy and Vice-President of Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises, Marc Nantel, were also in attendance, representing the executive team and demonstrating the College’s support for this important community initiative.
The Big Move Cancer Ride, a flagship event in Niagara, has been a beacon of hope, raising over $5,000,000 for local cancer care since its inception. Riders collected pledges, finding solace in the knowledge that every kilometer pedaled, and every dollar raised contributes to improved cancer care within the community.
For those wanting to join the cause, sponsorship opportunities are available until October 31. Those interested, can visit the following link to contribute: ofnhs.akaraisin.com/ui/2023BigMoveCancerRide/pledge/sponsor/start
NC’s Big Move team also wants to give a shout-out to its top 5 fundraisers, showcased below. Their dedication to fundraising is truly commendable and inspiring.
- Bruin Pol – NC Student & President of the Rainbow Knights student club
- Lora Miani – Professor, School of Liberal Studies
- Sonya Siebert – Administration, School of Justice & Fitness
- Christopher Carter – Professor, School of Liberal Studies
- Andrea Bodnar – Professor, School of Nursing & PSW
“As a teenager, I battled cancer and made a promise: if I beat it, I’d ride and raise money to fight the disease, and this year, I fulfilled that promise by completing my first cancer ride as a survivor,” said Pol. “Riding with the College community made my first cancer ride that much more special. I even had a friendly fundraising competition with my professor, Lora Miani, which added to the fun. Whether it was raising money or training together, we created a supportive team atmosphere, all for the cause of fighting cancer. ”
“As a faculty member in the Science Department, I teach a General Education elective at NC called “The Biology of Cancer”,” said Miani. “Over the years teaching this course, I’ve met numerous students with extraordinary stories of how cancer has affected their lives, stories of triumph, challenge, resilience, and heartache. A dear friend of mine also recently died from breast cancer and I decided to ride on the NC team in Rebecca’s memory and for all of my students who had the courage to choose this elective.”
Looking ahead, Niagara College aspires to make an even more substantial mark in the coming years, rallying the entire NC community–students, staff, alumni, and former employees–to gear up and join the ride, making a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.
