Carlene Lee
- National: 895th
- Province: 489th in ON
I'm Riding For
Nathan Wright
For My Nephew, A Survivor. Every year when I ride in the Great Cycle Challenge Canada, I think about my nephew. He will be 26 years old this June, but there was a time when he was just a baby facing a battle no child should ever have to endure. Diagnosed with sarcoma cancer, a rare form, he underwent surgery and treatments before he was even old enough to understand what was happening to him. As a family, we watched and waited. We hoped and prayed. We celebrated every victory, no matter how small. Today, he is a healthy young man with a story to tell. The scar on his chest remains, a visible reminder of the battle he fought and won. He wears it proudly, never hiding it or feeling ashamed. Why would he? That scar tells a story of courage, resilience, and survival. It is proof that he overcame something that could have taken his life. When I see him now, I don't just see a survivor. I see possibility. I see what can happen when children are given a fighting chance. That is why this cause means so much to me. Every year, as I pedal kilometre after kilometre, I think about how many more children could have the same opportunity. How many more families could experience the joy of watching their child grow up, pursue their dreams, and live a full life. My nephew is one of the success stories. And because of continued research, treatment advances, support, and generosity, there can be many more. So I ride with him in my heart. I ride for the children who are fighting today. I ride for the survivors. I ride for the families holding on to hope. Most of all, I ride because every child deserves the chance to grow up and tell their own story.
My Story
From Survivor to Fighter – Riding for Kids’ Lives
Eight years ago, I crossed a finish line that had nothing to do with a bicycle. I became cancer-free.
I've been riding for the Great Cycle Challenge Canada since 2019—eight years and counting. This August, I'll be riding once again to fight kids' cancer in support of the SickKids Foundation, giving these children a fighting chance to live life, not just fight for it.
My journey with this challenge began in 2019, shortly after I fought and beat colon cancer. That experience changed me, and I knew I had to give back in some way. My daughter convinced me to take on this ride, and since then, it has become a part of my journey.
Year after year, I've continued, not just for the ride itself, but because I know my story has helped others. Now, I ride for these kids, to help them fight, survive, conquer, and one day, share their own stories of victory.
My connection to this cause extends beyond my own experience. When my nephew was still a baby, he was diagnosed with a rare cancer (sarcoma tumor). Thankfully, he survived that battle and has grown into a healthy young man. Yet every day, much like I am reminded of my own journey, he is reminded of his by the large scar that remains on his chest. He wears that scar proudly. He has never been afraid to show it because he knows what he had to overcome to be here today.
How You Can Support My Journey:
There are many ways to be part of this mission:
✅ Donate – Every dollar helps give kids a fighting chance.
✅ Share my page – Help spread the word and inspire others to support.
✅ Cheer me on – Your encouragement keeps me going!
✅ Join the Challenge – Ride with me and make a difference.
✅ All of the above – The ultimate way to make an impact!
You can choose one or more.
Whatever you decide...
Every bit of support counts, and together, we can help kids conquer their battles and live to tell their stories.
Thank you
My Legacy
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211 km Ridden$690 Raised2019
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212 km Ridden$1,150 Raised2020
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208 km Ridden$507 Raised2021
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209 km Ridden$1,013 Raised2022
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284 km Ridden$1,144 Raised2023
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244 km Ridden$1,192 Raised2024
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309 km Ridden$1,703 Raised2025
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502 km Ridden$1,837 Raised2026
My Challenge
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When You Believe
29 Aug 2026When you believe in the purpose, keep moving. Your journey may inspire someone else to believe in theirs.
Posted 11 days ago -
25.8 km ride - Afternoon Ride - Friday, August 28, 2026
Logged this ride 11 days ago - View on Strava -
Family & Friends Thank You
28 Aug 2026To my FAMILY and FRIENDS who have supported me, encouraged me, believed in me, and especially to those who have been a constant staple in this journey since 2019. THANK YOU.
I can do this because of the support you have shown me, not just this year, but throughout this incredible journey.
Every message, every donation, every word of encouragement, every cheer from the sidelines... GREATLY APPRECIATED
Never stop doing what you know is right.
Never hold yourself back because of what others might say.
If your heart is confident in what you have set out to do, stand firmly in it.
Be well with it.
Move with intention.
And keep going.
Thank you for being part of my journey.
I ride because I believe.
Carlene out!
Posted 11 days ago -
Thank You GCCCANADA
28 Aug 2026To the incredible volunteers who are instrumental in keeping the wheels turning, supporting the riders, sharing the updates, and continuing to inspire us along the way...
THANK YOU
Those updates may seem like small moments, but they are so encouraging and remind us that we are part of something much bigger than our individual rides.
Thank you for the work you continue to do, the time you give, and the heart you put into making this challenge what it is.
YOU are ALL appreciated. More than you know.
Posted 11 days ago -
20.0 km ride - Indoor Evening Ride - 70min (mixed faves playlist) - Wednesday, August 26, 2026
From Home to Home
Logged this ride 13 days ago -
15.4 km ride - Evening Ride - Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Logged this ride 14 days ago - View on Strava -
20.0 km ride - Indoor Ride - 63min - Monday, August 24, 2026
From home to home
Logged this ride 15 days ago -
13.0 km ride - Afternoon Ride - Sunday, August 23, 2026
Logged this ride 16 days ago - View on Strava -
Purpose In Motion - Aug 22, 2026
22 Aug 2026One more week, and this journey has already taught me so much. The biggest lesson? The goal matters, but so does the person pursuing it.💙🧡🚴🏾♀️
I’m learning to listen to my body, quiet my mind, protect my energy, and let my heart stay connected to the purpose.
Push when you can. Pause when you need to. Keep moving when you’re ready.
Because sometimes, slowing down is how we keep moving forward.
The kilometres are counting, and so are the lessons they teach.
Posted 17 days ago -
10.0 km ride - Indoor Evening Ride - 33min - Saturday, August 22, 2026
Logged this ride 17 days ago
My Sponsors
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Cathy Prior
“Always inspiring Carlene!”
$258.75Received this donation 94 days ago
Carlene
“Cathy, thank you so much for your generous donation. Greatly appreciated! Thank you! 💙🧡❤️💛🥰🥰🥰”
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Lisa W
“Blessings on your journey. Keep inspiring.”
$155.25Received this donation 91 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you so much for your generous donation cuz. I truly appreciate it!💙🧡🤗🥰🥰🥰”
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Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
“Here's your matched donation made possible by the generosity of long-time SickKids Foundation supporters, the Garron family. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$104.30Received this donation 27 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you for your ongoing support! It means the most.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💛💛💛💛💛🤗💕💙🧡”
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Ann/Evan
“Carlene your strength has already inspired us through your own journey, and now you're riding to give hope to children facing the same battle. Wishing you an amazing ride—you've already proven that courage can overcome incredible challenges. Every mile you ride is a reminder that hope is stronger than cancer. Cheering you on every step of the way.”
$103.50Received this donation 74 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you so much Anne and Evan for your generosity. Your support means so much! Greatly appreciated! Your words of encouragement go further than you realize. Thank you for being an anchor of strength. Sometimes we don't realize how much we needed to hear that encouraging message, word or note, that pushes us forward. No matter how strong we are. We all need that from time to time. Thanks for being you. Positive, uplifting, and bright.💙🧡💛🤗”
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Morrington Wright
“Carlene, your amazing spirit keep hope alive.”
$103.50Received this donation 13 days ago
Carlene
“Uncle Mar! 🤗🌟❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💛💛💛💛💛 Thank you so much for your support. It means so much to me and for this cause. Your words of encouragement through the years have always been a staple. I appreciate you!❤️💛🤗💙🧡💕”
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Sandra Fars
“Keep up the good work.I am so proud of you♥️”
$103.50Received this donation 31 days ago
Carlene
“My dear friend, my heart is so full with gratitude.❤️💛 Thank you for your kind and generous donation. Your support for the Great Cycle Challenge Canada means so much to me and all the kids fighting their battle. It's friends and family like you who make this journey worthwhile. I can do this, because of all of you. I'm grateful beyond words.🤗💙🧡💕💕💕💕”
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Lisa Gonsalves
$51.75Received this donation 95 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you Lisa. I appreciate you. Thanks for your support!💙🧡🥰🥰🥰”
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Penny
“You go girl! You are amazing Carlene.”
$51.75Received this donation 90 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you so much Penny. I appreciate your support. It means a lot.💙🧡🥰🥰🥰🥰”
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Barbara & Harjeet Virdi
“Good Luck Carlene.”
$41.40Received this donation 69 days ago
Carlene
“Thanks so much Auntie Babs. I appreciate the support from yourself and Uncle Harjeet. It really means a lot and brings me that much closer to my goal. I appreciate you both. Much love and light!❤️💛🥰🥰💙🧡”
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Marlene Campbell
“Carlene I am routing for you! Good luck.”
$36.23Received this donation 96 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you Auntie Marlene. Your support means a lot. 💙🧡🤗🥰🥰🥰🥰”
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Teslyn Wolfe
$36.23Received this donation 91 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you so much Auntie, I truly appreciate your support. It means a lot!💙🧡🥰🥰🥰”
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Matthew C
“Good luck Carlene!”
$31.05Received this donation 63 days ago
Carlene
“Thanks cuz!❤️💕💙🧡💛🤗🥰🥰🥰 I appreciate your support. It means so much to me.🤗💙🧡”
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Anonymous
“You got this Carlene.🙌🏽🚴🏾♀️”
$30Received this donation 99 days ago
Carlene
“Yay!!! My first donation. 😃💙🧡❤️💛 Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate you.”
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Chris Pomay
“Hi Carlene, hope this donation helps out a little and proud to support this great cause and will be cheering for you to reach $3,000.”
$25.88Received this donation 38 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you so much Chris! I appreciate your support.💙🧡🥰💛”
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Tye
$10.35Received this donation 95 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you son! I appreciate your continued support. Even when it’s challenging. 💙🧡🥰💕💕💕💕”
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Carlene Lee
“Hope doesn't disappear. Sometimes it just needs us to hold on a little longer. Over the years, I've learned that the greatest obstacle isn't the distance, it's the story we tell ourselves. The moment I catch myself thinking, "I can't," I choose to change the script. I remind myself that one more pedal stroke matters. One more conversation matters. One more person can make all the difference. Last year, I shared a message about never giving up because you never know what's waiting around the next corner. That message still holds true today. Just recently, thanks to Henrietta, I participated in a fundraiser. I invested $50 and, through the generosity of others, that became $500. Every single dollar is going right back into my Great Cycle Challenge Canada fundraising efforts. Eight years ago, I crossed a finish line that had nothing to do with a bicycle. I became cancer free. New blog uploading soon.”
$517.50Received this donation 55 days ago
Carlene
“Keep moving. Forward is the only way. I kept my promise to myself and the cause. Thank you Carlene!”
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Anonymous
“Great job Carlene! We are super proud of you.💕”
$155.25Received this donation 27 days ago
Carlene
“Thanks for being so generous and helping me double my donations for this awesome cause. I can do this because of all of you. My donors! 💙🧡🚴🏾♀️🚴🏾♀️🚴🏾♀️🚴🏾♀️”
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Dicken
“You got this sunshine!!🌟😮”
$20.70Received this donation 26 days ago
Carlene
“Thanks DC! Greatly appreciated!💙🧡💕🥰💛💛💛💛💛”