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Mildred Clarke, my loving mother, was a healthy, active and vibrant woman who was dedicated to family, friends and her career when at the tender age of 55 was diagnosed with Colin Cancer. In attempts to protect members of my family from worrying about her, my mother kept her illness to herself and as the treatment to fight the disease took it's toll on my mother's energy level she eventually let us in on her little secret. While always maintaining a positive attitude she tried very hard to maintain her composure and down play just how awful she was feeling.

In the fall of 1998, 6 months after she had confided in us, her condition worsened and I sensed that she needed my support. I took 3 weeks off work to go home to be with my mom during the final chapter of her life. At the time, I knew that other families out there, were dealing with similar situations but when the person who always supported me throughout my life was now in need of my support, I felt extremely alone. But support came from my dad, the Hospice Nurses, neighbours and friends and from my best friend and husband, Erik, who is a support rider during this ride across Canada. A short time after I arrived, I realized that even though my mom was very sick, it was her never ceasing sense of hope that provided me with the feeling that everything was somehow, going to be O.K. She always believed that everything happened for a reason and it was not for us to always understand

My mom lost her battle to this disease during my 3 week stay. She was a remarkable woman and her spirit, determination and love of life continues to live with me each day of my life. Knowing that others are out there, like those riding across Canada to raise money for cancer, I am certain, provides families with the needed hope that they are not alone in their battles. The fact that others are giving of their time and energy to bring an awareness to the public provides a sense of community and needed hope to those living with this disease. My mother thought the world of Erik and I know would be proud of his efforts and those of the rest of the Coast to Coast Team. I would be honoured if 100 km of the ride could be dedicated to Mildred Clarke, my mom. I know she will be watching over each kilometre of your ride and provide you with the spirit, hope and determination to help realize this dream.