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
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.