Why We Ride

On May 2, 2019 the Niagara Ride lost one of its own. passed away after a long and courageous battle. Chuck was very involved with the Motorcycle Ride for Dad, his cancer was not Prostate Cancer but in his own words in a 2015 Niagara Falls Review article “I don’t have prostate cancer per se, but cancer is cancer. Anything you can do to help the battle, you have to try to do. I’ve had some awfully good care from doctors and nurses over the years.”

Chuck and his wife Lori were regulars at the Motorcycle Ride for Dad Fundraisers and BBQ’s and of course the rides. Chucks battle made it difficult to continue to ride a motorcycle so he exchanged the two wheels for a 1923 Bucket T. He was always up front and stepped in to give our Honorary Ride Captains a ride in the “Bucket”.

Chuck achieved the level of Diamond in the Motorcycle Ride for Dad Captains club meaning that he personally raised over $15 000. In 2016 Chuck was the top pledge earner for the Niagara Motorcycle Ride for Dad.

Chuck always had a smile on his face even when many of us knew that his body was not smiling on the inside. His attitude and outlook on life was one that many of us can use as an example of true grit.

Since his passing Chuck’s family have formed Team Chuck in memory of him and proudly continue the tradition of collecting pledges and being involved in the ride.

Chuck you will be missed. Please put in a good word for us on Ride Day.

In 2005, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through 33 radiation treatments which brought me into remission (as a result of research those 33 treatments are now reduced to 5).

In 2006, I saw an article in the local paper for Ride For Dad and thought “that is my ride”. I proceeded to contact fellow workers, friends, union members (CAW), HOG Chapter members to raise money for the fight against prostate cancer.

I was always proud when the money was donated to doctors, and to hear the awareness ads on the radio knowing that I was a big part of it.

If it wasn’t for the PSA test I would not be here today. I have been a part of the Prostate Cancer Canada Surovior’s Group to offer support to new survivors.

Get tested early and often and never give up!!

My journey with the Ride for Dad started because of my dad.  I had never heard of Prostate Cancer nor was aware of the Ride for Dad until my dad was diagnosed.  His diagnosis taught me really fast about Prostate Cancer and just how harmful it can be.

My dad was diagnosed in April 2009 and his treatment ended in October 2009.  It was the longest 6-7 months of our lives.  I am happy to report my dad survived Prostate Cancer and has been cancer-free ever since.  I’ll never forget shortly after that driving down Kenmount Road one day and seeing a billboard for the Ride for Dad and thinking I need to be involved!

I volunteered with our local chapter on the Registration for 4 or 5 years and then moved into an Executive Role with our local chapter.  My dad is my hero for fighting and now it is my turn to fight for him and anyone who may be impacted by this silent killer known as Prostate Cancer.

In 2009 I met this amazing person after hearing his story and deciding we should start a chapter in Manitoba for Ride For Dad. Over the past decade, this man has inspired me and many others with his determination, courage and a great love for life. He has given countless days and hours each year, getting the RFD message and awareness out there will telling his own story of survival. He is one of the main reasons we all Ride for Dad.

Giorgio “Jojo” Frausin

I have participated in the ride for dad since its inception in Saskatoon.

Have always loved riding motorcycles and being able to combine my love for riding with a worthwhile charity was a great match for me.

Getting involved with the organizing of the ride seemed like a perfect fit as I would be raising funds and riding anyway.

Hope to continue my affiliation with the ride for the foreseeable future once the world returns to whatever normal is going to be.

I am a cancer survivor! Not prostate but a close neighbour LOL.

I want to help find a cure. Every one of us have a cancer story, and I have been living mine for over four years now. I also lost my Dad, a WWII veteran, and personal hero, and my sister to cancer.

I went on the first Ride For Dad ride on Durham in 2006 not knowing what Ride For Dad was but it was a nice day and a good ride and event.  I got involved in the Ride in 2008 and have since realized how important research and awareness for prostate cancer is.

When I look at the numbers that 1 in 9 men over 40 in Canada will be affected, and 11 men die every day from prostate cancer. In the over 70 age group, 90% of men will be affected.

The Durham Ride took a step back in 2020 due to COVID19, but prostate cancer didn’t take a break. So I decided to step forward to help the cause for 2021.

Remember early detection is key to survival so tell everyone you know over 40 to get a PSA blood test.

If you can help with a donation it will help our cause and save lives.