April 28, 2011

To view pictures set to music of the spinathon, click here

The wheels were flying, the costumes were loud and the laughter was even louder as more than 1,000 students took part in an energetic spinathon cancer awareness event at Nelson High School earlier this month.   

Presented by Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation, The Inside Ride, a two-hour, team-based, indoor cycling challenge and fundraising event in support children and teens with cancer, was held April 5, 2011. Spencer Campbell, Pineland Public School parent, helped organize the event, along with staff and students. More than $20,000 was fundraised.

Campbell was especially interested in the event after taking part in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride in October to support Grade 8 Pineland student Laura Hillier, who was diagnosed with leukemia last summer and is currently in remission.

Medals were awarded in several categories including team spirit, best team costume, top team mileage and top donations.

Throughout the event, loud music was pumped through the gymnasium as riders – dressed in outrageous, wacky outfits – pedaled as fast they could on stationary bikes, having a great time along the way, as indicated by the amount of laughs and cheers.

Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation raises money and awareness for families and children affected by cancer. Their mandate is to create high quality, physically challenging events on a national level to raise needed funding for cancer charities. The foundation provides support for funding of oncology camps, community support programs, academic scholarships and other areas, which contribute to inspiring hope and improved prognosis for children and their families impacted by cancer.  

According to the organization, 1,700 children and youth between the ages of birth and 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year in Canada.