We race Canada against Cancer

It was an otherwise uneventful Tuesday evening in the Hawaii Volcanos National Park, back in 2009 when I met Marc from the Netherlands. Right away, it was evident that we shared a deep passion for the outdoors, nature, and sports. Since that day, we've scaled mountains together, trekked the Alps, and conquered Mont Ventoux over a dozen times. Despite living in different countries, we became the best of friends.

However, in March 2023 everything changed. Marc's four-year-old daughter, Jasmijn, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma. The treatment regimen is harsh, yet the survival rate for children with Neuroblastoma has significantly increased from 10% to 50% in the last decade. While this progress is commendable, it's not enough.

The hospital where Jasmijn is undergoing treatment, the Princess Máxima Centre for pediatric oncology, requires funding for crucial research. This research aims to elevate the survival rates for children with Neuroblastoma closer to 100%.

To raise funds for Jasmijn's cause, my friend (and best man at my wedding) Ricky and I have committed to a monumental challenge: paddling over 1000 miles through the Canadian and Alaskan wilderness in the Yukon 1000 - renowned as the world's longest and toughest canoe race. During this grueling race, we'll endure physical suffering, face mental challenges, and hold no assurance of reaching the finish line. Yet, to us, it's merely a race. Children battling cancer confront similar challenges, but for them, it's a matter of life and death.

So let's make it 100%.