Man cycling across Canada to raise cancer awareness makes stop in Winnipeg
A 57-year-old man is cycling across Canada in hopes of raising money and awareness, and promote research for a rare form of cancer.
Last year, Stephen Dartt was diagnosed with bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma).
Dartt said he spent months enduring chemotherapy, complaining to the doctor, and not feeling well.
However, his perspective changed when he saw children in the hospital waiting room, who were getting the same cancer treatment as him.
“It gave me a completely different outlook on life and changed the way I was thinking about what I have,” he said.
“And it sort of humbled me and made me less selfish and I realized it’s time to give back.”
From there, Dartt and his wife started the Trek for Hope fundraiser intending to raise $30,000. They intend to donate the proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“When I was told I had this horrifying disease, it basically changed my life,” he said.
“So, we put all our savings into this. Everything that we basically have into this fundraiser.”
Now, as part of the fundraiser, Dartt is cycling from British Columbia to Quebec -- a 5,000-kilometre journey.
“We’ve done quite a few miles, it was quite a challenge,” he said during his stop in Winnipeg on Sunday.
“And there’s another 3,000 kilometres to go.”
Dartt said he is amazed by the number of people who have come out to help and support his fundraiser.
So far, he has raised more than $10,000.
“We’re hoping for donations of any sort,” he said.
“Be it small, be it big, be it anything. Even water, even staying for the night in their parking (lot).”
Those interested in donating can do so online.
- With files from CTV’s Gary Robson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.