They are used to confronting life’s challenges.
After all, one is an FCSS family violence worker, the other a mental health therapist.
Now Diane MacDougall and Janet Anderson are preparing for a very different test – a 200-kilometre bike ride to raise funds for fighting cancer.
“It will be hard, but we are really looking forward to it,” said MacDougall, who works at Barrhead Family and Community Support Services.
“It’s for a really good cause. We should remember that cancer clients face their own journey from the time of diagnosis and through their daily lives – a journey of self-awareness, requiring physical, emotional and spiritual endurance.”
The pair will be joining hundreds of others for the June 22-23 trip from Calgary to Okotoks, via Bragg Creek.
The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer takes participants on a winding route through the majestic Rockies for two days, although there will be little time for sightseeing.
The steep inclines are likely to put stamina and fitness levels to a severe test, while the altitude could mean uncomfortably chilly conditions.
The Okotoks rest camp for riders stay is certain to be an extremely welcome sight.
MacDougall and Anderson, who call themselves “The Barrhead and Lac Ste. Anne Riders,” have been busy training for their epic effort.
For Anderson there is an added challenge – until recently she hadn’t ridden a bike for 30 years.
She will also have turned 63 by the time of the ride, so extreme physical exertion may come with a few more aches and pains these days.
Not that any of this fazes her. In fact it simply provides extra motivation to do something for those afflicted by a disease that knows no boundaries, striking the very young, the very old, the rich and the poor.
“I haven’t ridden a bike for 30 years and certainly never tackled this kind of endeavour,” said Anderson.
“It will be a great challenge of self, but a greater challenge to assist the people who live or be challenged every day in the future. I will play a small part, but at the end I can say I participated in something bigger than myself in my lifetime, and hopefully be around to see a cure.”
Unfortunately, Alberta’s delayed spring hasn’t smiled on the duo’s training regimen.
“Snow or rain the training starts outside now,” said 48-year-old MacDougall, who describes herself as an avid rider. “Last year I was itching to get on my bike and almost got hit by a snowmobile.”
Before they begin their journey, MacDougall and Anderson have to collect $2,500 each by the end of May, with money going to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Donations will be gratefully accepted, and can be in the form of cash, credit card or cheque. They can be dropped off at FCSS in Barrhead and can also be made online by going to “Conquercancer.ca.”
A tax-deductible receipt will be sent with donations $10 or more.
According to the Enbridge ride website, money will support patients and families at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton and 15 cancer centres throughout Alberta.
To MacDougall and Anderson, there could be no better incentive.
“With your support we will make a small but significant difference in the fight to conquer cancer,” they said.
