Happy 7th Birthday Atlas!

💛 Today would have been Atlas’ 7th birthday.

He is the reason Miles and I take on the Great Cycle Challenge each August, and we’ll be thinking of him a little extra today as we put in our kilometres. 🚴‍♂️

BUT it also happens to be Kick Cancer’s Butt Day, which means all donations made to our ride TODAY will be matched by the Garron Family (up to $1.3 million).

So if you were thinking about supporting us this year, today is a pretty special day to do it. 💛

For Atlas, on his 7th birthday, and for all the kids and families facing childhood cancer. 🎗️

Click the link below:

https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/NancyvanLoenen

This kid does not cease to impress me

The Great Cycle Challenge officially kicked off today!

This afternoon we headed out for our first ride of the season with a simple goal: make it to the dam and back (about 16 km). We really haven’t spent much time on our bikes leading up to this year’s challenge, so I honestly expected we’d run out of steam fairly quickly.

But once we reached the dam, Miles looked over at me with a grin and said, “I could do more!”

That left us with a decision. Do we play it safe and head back to the car… or trust an 11-year-old who’s feeling strong, knowing every extra kilometre also means riding it all back?

He was adamant he’d be fine, and at 11 years old I figured maybe it’s time to trust his instincts a little more.

So… we kept going. Total ride : 27km

Along the way we met so many kind people. One couple smiled as they passed and told us we “bike so beautifully” before wishing us a safe ride. It’s amazing how a few encouraging words from complete strangers can brighten your day.

The only downside? We seemed to be on a direct flight path for every large flying insect in Ontario! We took more than a few bugs to the face, but nothing that could stop us.

As we rode, we also spent some time reflecting on how fortunate we are to have healthy, strong bodies that allow us to take on a challenge like this. That’s a privilege not every family has. Every kilometre we ride is in honour of children battling cancer and in support of the incredible work being done at SickKids to give more families hope.

A great start to the month. Here’s to many more kilometres together!

Two weeks out!

August is almost here, which means it's time for another Great Cycle Challenge.

This year marks our fifth year riding to raise money for SickKids in memory of Atlas. What started as a way to honour his life has become one of the most meaningful things we do each year.

Many of you knew Atlas and prayed alongside us while he was battling. Others have simply supported us because you know how much this cause means to our family. Although Atlas' time here was far too short, his story continues to inspire us and reminds us why this cause is so important. No family should have to hear the words, "Your child has cancer."

Another reason we continue to ride is because of Miles.

Watching him grow into this challenge has been one of the greatest blessings. What started as a little boy riding alongside his Mum has become something much bigger. He talks about Atlas often, asks thoughtful questions about him, and genuinely understands why we do this. Just yesterday, while telling me all about the family he hopes to have one day (apparently with lots of dogs and cats!), he asked if he could one day give his son the middle name Atlas. It was one of those moments that reminds us that love and legacy don't disappear - they continue through the hearts of those who remember.

Over the past five years, thanks to your incredible generosity, we've ridden 913 kilometres and raised $6,521.77 for childhood cancer research and care through SickKids. Every donation - big or small - has helped us reach that total, and we're so thankful for every person who has supported us along the way.

This year, we're asking for your help once again.

If you're able to make a donation, we would be incredibly grateful. Every dollar goes toward helping researchers find better treatments and giving hope to children and families who are facing the hardest battle of their lives.

You can support our ride here:

https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/riders/NancyvanLoenen

If you're not able to donate this year, we completely understand. We would appreciate your prayers for the children currently battling cancer, for their families, and for the doctors and researchers working tirelessly to find better treatments.

Thank you for continuing to support our family and for helping us keep Atlas' memory alive in such a meaningful way. We truly couldn't do this without you.