Carlene Lee
- National: 162nd
- Province: 92nd 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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Ridden$1,324 Raised2026
My Challenge
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11.4 km ride - Lunch Ride - Friday, July 24, 2026
Logged this ride 5 days ago - View on Strava -
When Hope Feels Out of Reach
15 Jul 2026There are moments when we convince ourselves that hope has run out. We tell ourselves the goal is too big, the challenge is too hard, and that we've come as far as we can.
But 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.
About a week ago I invested $50 in a fundraiser for GCCCANADA and, through the generosity of others, that became $500. Every single dollar went right back into my Great Cycle Challenge Canada fundraising efforts.
The experience reminded me of something powerful: never assume there are no more people willing to help. There is always one more person. Then another. And another. Kindness has a way of multiplying when we refuse to give up.
Eight years ago, I crossed a finish line that had nothing to do with a bicycle. I became cancer free. Today, I ride because I know what hope can do. I ride because I've watched my nephew survive sarcoma cancer. I ride because I believe every child deserves the same chance to grow up, dream big, and live a full life.
So if you're chasing a goal that feels impossible, don't quit. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep showing up.
Hope has a remarkable way of meeting those who refuse to stop moving forward. 💙🧡🚴🏿♀️
Posted 14 days ago -
$1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 14 days ago -
Hope Is My Strongest Gear
7 Jul 2026Turning miles into miracles, one ride at a time.
I ride so kids can dream bigger than cancer.
Hope is my strongest gear.
Posted 23 days ago -
30.3 km ride - Morning Ride - Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Logged this ride 28 days ago - View on Strava -
11.3 km ride - Evening Ride - Sunday, June 28, 2026
Logged this ride 31 days ago - View on Strava -
12.1 km ride - Afternoon Ride - Friday, June 26, 2026
Logged this ride 33 days ago - View on Strava -
More Than A Jersey
22 Jun 2026It’s not just a jersey, it’s quiet prayers stitched in hope for every child fighting cancer.
It’s people like us choosing to stand, to support, and to keep believing in a cure.
Not every story ends in victory, which is why the fight continues. Cancer doesn’t get the final say here.
Posted 38 days ago -
9.2 km ride - Evening Ride - Sunday, June 21, 2026
Logged this ride 38 days ago - View on Strava -
22.3 km ride - Morning Ride - Saturday, June 13, 2026
Logged this ride 46 days ago - View on Strava
My Sponsors
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Cathy Prior
“Always inspiring Carlene!”
$258.75Received this donation 53 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 50 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you so much for your generous donation cuz. I truly appreciate it!💙🧡🤗🥰🥰🥰”
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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 33 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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Lisa Gonsalves
$51.75Received this donation 54 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 49 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 28 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 55 days ago
Carlene
“Thank you Auntie Marlene. Your support means a lot. 💙🧡🤗🥰🥰🥰🥰”
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Teslyn Wolfe
$36.23Received this donation 50 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 22 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 58 days ago
Carlene
“Yay!!! My first donation. 😃💙🧡❤️💛 Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate you.”
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Tye
$10.35Received this donation 54 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 14 days ago
Carlene
“Keep moving. Forward is the only way. I kept my promise to myself and the cause. Thank you Carlene!”