Conquering cancer one burger at a time

Times Contributor

 

Patricia Lyle has been riding in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer for three years and is currently raising money for 2013, her fourth year. This charity bike ride through the Rocky Mountains holds a special place in Lyle’s heart after her father lost his battle to cancer when she was eight years old. She already liked to cycle, so she decided to join the ride in 2010. 

“(The ride) combined something that I enjoy doing with something that’s going to try to help people by raising money to find a cure, so kids don’t have to grow up without a parent,” said Lyle. “Every time you turn around, somebody’s being diagnosed with cancer and a good way to try and find a cure is to raise money for the people [to] get the equipment they need to try and find a cure to this nasty disease.”

In order to participate in this event, the rider must raise a minimum of $2,500 and currently Lyle is trying to raise money through barbecues at M&M Meats.

“I am not personally able to donate $2,500 to the Alberta Cancer Society so by doing the fundraising and riding each year I’m able to do my part and help to find a cure,” said Lyle. Her next barbecue is on Sept. 22 in front of M&M meats in Strathmore. Any contribution is appreciated and going to buy a burger helps Patricia ride in an event that means a lot to her. 

“The first year I did it I was standing at the starting line at Spruce Meadows waiting to take off and when they said, ‘okay everybody lets go’ it brought tears to my eyes to think of all these people getting together to do this, to support this cause,” said Lyle. 

All the money raised goes to the Alberta Cancer Society. If you miss Patricia’s barbecue this September you can always donate through Patricia’s page at www.conquercancer.ca. Click donate, then search for Patricia Lyle. 

“I ride because I can and I ride for those who can’t. I will continue to ride for as long as I am physically able to because there isn’t one person I know who hasn’t been touched by cancer in one way or another.  Everywhere I go, I hear of someone else who has just been diagnosed with cancer or is going through treatments or has just finished treatments,” said Lyle. 

Lyle’s dedication to this ride and her fundraiser is clear; her success in raising funds for her to ride in this event is in the hands of people who choose to donate, or not. 

“I don’t know what people… what makes people donate to one thing rather than another, as long as they come out and buy burgers and donate then it’s helping to find a cure,” said Lyle.