CN Cycle for CHEO pedals through Ottawa, raises nearly $2.2M for cancer research

The 19th annual CN Cycle for CHEO took place through Ottawa’s streets on Sunday to raise money for cancer research. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

The 19^th annual CN Cycle for CHEO took place Sunday at LeBreton Flats to raise money for pediatric oncology care and research at CHEO.

More than 6,000 cyclists and walkers participated in a 100K, 70K, 35K, 15K cycle or a 2K and 5K walk.

“This is the largest fundraiser we have for oncology programs at CHEO. This means we’re going to be able to give over $2 million to the research institute at CHEO to help with research and care for oncology patients,” said Steve Read, president and CEO of the CHEO Foundation.

Six-year-old Piers Corsi and his family have been participating in the CN Cycle since 2022.

“He’s a cancer survivor. He had a type of kidney cancer. Diagnosed around 18 months of age,” said Erica Corsi, Piers’ mom.

Piers finished his treatment four years ago and it’s the 5^th CN Cycle the whole family is participating in.

“He has three older siblings as well. One riding in the 100K, two riding in the 70K with their dad and then the three of us doing the 35,” Corsi said.

Piers’ mom says he was so excited the morning of the race, he was running down the stairs ready to go. She says it’s special for the family to be supporting.

“It’s a very special thing for us. Very, very emotional. Very, inspiring. We’ve really enjoyed being a part of it for the last several years for sure,” she said.

“It’s just such a positive way of celebrating the success for him and everything that he’s been through and where he is now.”

The event raised $2,194,128 for CHEO, money that will directly support vital care and groundbreaking research.

“This is for the kids. It’s for CHEO. I’m fit body and able body. How many kids are sitting in that hospital today? That can’t be here. I’m cycling for them,” said participant Linda Myers.

CHEO has partnered with CN Rail for 19 years in support of this fundraiser.

“It’s important to us because we want to serve the communities that we run to support our proud part of the community and we’ve just been so thrilled to be able to support the work that she was doing over the last 19 years,” said Melissa Cotton, head of government affairs Canada for CN Rail.

The event shut down various roads and bridges across the capital region.

The day concluded with lots of activities for families, while continuing to push for further pediatric oncology care and research.

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