Don Ross

6years All Star
Don Ross
Riding for Heather Ross & Griff Bell
Cancer is the largest killer of kids in Canada & 27 children are diagnosed every week. Please donate now and support my challenge to fight kids' cancer!
I've Ridden 2,135.0 km to fight kids' cancer
My Rankings
  • National: 43rd
  • Province: 22nd in ON
I've raised $8,370 to fight kids' cancer Donate Now

I'm Riding For

Heather Ross & Griff Bell

Heather Ross & Griff Bell

As I ride each day , indoors in winter & outdoors spring to fall, I will be thinking about 6 year old Griffin Bell in Ottawa and my courageous and inspirational partner Heather who I've been grateful to be married to for 44 years. She continues to set an amazing example for all our family and anyone who knows her with how she lives her life each and every day. She has managed all the challenges of breast cancer since 1999 and Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer since 2011 in a dignified way that gives great hope and cheer to others. Her toughness is beyond measure and there is no quit in her character. These are the same qualities that young children like Griff Bell bring out in themselves as they manage their cancer treatments with their loving families always at their sides. We’ll never stop fighting for them! #RidingForGriff #RidingForHeather

My Story

28 May 2023

This will be my 6th year taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer! Why? Because right now, over 1,700 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and it's the biggest killer of children from disease in Canada. 3 young lives are lost every week & every 2 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer around the world. My wife & I sometimes see these young children when we are at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre & Toronto Western where she's been receiving ongoing care for Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. We’re so grateful for the life saving research being done there and for the care & treatment she receives at UHN in Toronto & at BGH Oncology in Belleville. Hospitals like Toronto Sick Kids and CHEO in Ottawa are doing incredible work with children. As any parent or grandparent like us would say.....all kids should be living life, not fighting for it . So I'm raising funds through my challenge to ride as many days as I can manage all year long to help these kids and support Sick Kids Foundation . This helps them continue their work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer. Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.Your support will change little lives. Thank you so much! #RidingForGriff #RidingForHeather

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 6 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.
  • 1,562 km Ridden
    $1,541 Raised
    2018
  • 1,698 km Ridden
    $2,846 Raised
    2019
  • 2,456 km Ridden
    $1,045 Raised
    2020
  • 2,434 km Ridden
    $4,509 Raised
    2021
  • 2,010 km Ridden
    $3,594 Raised
    2022
  • 2,135 km Ridden
    $8,370 Raised
    2023
6years
12,295 km
Ridden
$21,905
Raised

My Challenge

  • 28.0 km ride - Milford to end of Morrison Pt Rd via #17 & back via South Bay - Monday, October 23, 2023
    Logged this ride 48 days ago
  • 24.0 km ride - Indoor trainer - Saturday, October 21, 2023
    Logged this ride 50 days ago
  • 28.0 km ride - Indoor trainer - Friday, October 20, 2023
    Logged this ride 51 days ago
  • 30.0 km ride - Milford to Pt Petre Lighthouse via Walmsley Rd & back via Cty Rd 10 - Wednesday, October 18, 2023
    Logged this ride 53 days ago
  • 36.0 km ride - Milford to Little Bluff & back - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
    Logged this ride 54 days ago
  • 44.0 km ride - Milford to Picton & back via Picton Airport route - Monday, October 16, 2023
    Logged this ride 55 days ago
  • 36.0 km ride - Milford to Cherry Valley to Pt Petre Lighthouse to Walmsley Rd to home - Saturday, September 30, 2023
    Logged this ride 71 days ago
  • Results are in…..
    29 Sep 2023

    “The results are in for the 2023 Great Cycle Challenge...

    Together, we raised $7,810,506 to fight kids' cancer! 🍁” #RidingForGriff www.greatcyclechallenge.ca/riders/donross Thanks everyone! The site will remain open until Oct 31st for anyone still wishing to donate. I’ll keep riding the rest of the year as I add to the 6000+ km I’ve ridden so far to reach my annual goal of virtually riding across Canada .

    Results are in…..
    Posted 72 days ago
  • 30.0 km ride - Milford to Black River/ WiloLea Lane to South Bay & back - Friday, September 29, 2023
    Logged this ride 72 days ago
  • 24.0 km ride - Indoor trainer - Thursday, September 28, 2023
    Logged this ride 73 days ago

My Sponsors

  • 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!”
    $1,931.16
    Received this donation 122 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “To the Garron Family…..I’d like to extend my deep appreciation for their incredibly generous donation and support of this event again this year which benefits so many children, families, and the care teams at Toronto Sick Kids Cancer unit. Thank you so much.”
  • Dykhuizen Foundation
    $1,000
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Hello Henk and the Dykhuizen Foundation, I am totally honoured and humbled by your extremely generous donation to this cause that I ride to support and raise funds and awareness for. It’s very dear to my heart and I know that it means so much to so many children and their families dealing with their cancer challenges. . Each year more research and better treatments are developed that help make things a bit better and gives more hope. From the bottom of my heart I sincerely thank you on behalf of all those who this fundraiser is benefitting at Toronto Sick Kids Hospital.”
  • Sarah L Hurst
    “You continue to amaze and inspire us. $10 donation per year of marriage seems like a good theory. Best of luck in August”
    $440
    Received this donation 170 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “You and Jim are amazing and inspirational to us too and your kind, generous hearts 💕 are “ Go Big or Go Home “ sized! I hope to still be doing this in our 50th Anniversary year too…..and 60th…..and??? :) Thank you both SOOOO much.”
  • Eleanor Johnston
    $350
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Hi Eleanor, I know how much Toronto Sick Kids Hospital means to you and your life story, so you understand better than most how much they are doing to help these young children dealing with their cancers. Your very generous donation will go a very long way towards helping them and their families so on behalf of them all I thank you. Your support of my efforts is very much appreciated. Take care.”
  • Mary Strey
    “Awesome Don!”
    $325
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Hi Lynn, Well……I would also say that you are even awesomer!! (Try using that word in scrabble and see if they call you on it :) So great that your generous donation will get matched this year and do even more good for so many people. Thanks a million and hope you’re keeping well. We need to catch up soon eh? Enjoy the rest of this summer and take good care.”
  • Steven Mee
    $300
    Received this donation 148 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Steve, Aynsley, & Max…..I can’t thank you enough for choosing to support this cause with your hard-earned bottle drive funds, along with your friend David. Your efforts and generous donation are going to help so many kids and their families deal with their situations, and help with research too that will go into improving their lives. Thank you so much!”
  • Anonymous
    “Way to go Don. Keep peddling for a good cause . Well done my friend”
    $274.28
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Lorie and Terry, Thank you so much for your super generous donation, which will become even greater today with the matching offer, and help further this great cause even more. I feel grateful and honoured to be able to pedal my bike on behalf of these children and their families and I have no plans on stopping as long as I’m able to ride. Take care and thanks again!”
  • Matt and Angela Ross
    “Awesome job dad. Keep up the great work!”
    $258.75
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Love you Matt and thanks so much for being so generous . Having this matched today means it goes even further towards helping awesome kids like Griff and families like his who inspire me to keep riding each day. Together we can achieve so much when we just never give up or stop hoping for things to get better. You know me well enough to know I won't quit and neither will Griff or your Mom!”
  • Michael Toccalino
    “You are, and have always been an inspiration Don. Big Hugs to Heather, Good speed, and ride safe! Michael & Debbie”
    $207.09
    Received this donation 107 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Michael & Debbie, I’m very grateful for your generous contribution to this important fundraiser that makes such a difference in so many young lives as they deal with the cancer challenges they face with their families. Toronto Sick Kids Hospital does such incredible work and this event helps them continue to move forward with the best treatments and research possible. Heather & I are honoured that you’ve chosen to support this cause that means so much to us both. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts 💕”
  • Carol and Mike Cooke
    “With thanks for your steadfast commitment to highlighting this important cause !”
    $155.25
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Dear Carol & Mike, Thank you so much for your very generous donation, which will become even greater today with the matching offer, and help further this great cause even more. I feel grateful and honoured to be able to pedal my bike on behalf of these children and their families and I have no plans on stopping as long as I’m able to ride. Take care and thanks again!””
  • Evan Bell
    “For all the heroes ⚡️”
    $155.25
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Dear Evan & Tammy, I’m very grateful for your generous donation to my humble efforts to help raise funds and awareness for the Toronto Sick Kids Cancer unit. I want you to know how much Heather & I are thinking about all your family and pulling for you as you manage all these challenges you face with such courage and dignity. I can sincerely tell you that Griff rides with me in my heart each day I set out on my bike. I’m certain the many millions that have been raised over the past 7 yrs this ride has been happening has contributed to Griff and so many other kids receiving the best of care possible and most up to date treatments that give hope for genuine recovery. That thought keeps my legs pedalling each day and even though I’ve not met him yet, I consider Griff to be one of my super-heroes! Some day we hope to meet you all so if you find yourselves in The County with a few mins to visit you’d be welcomed at our home in Milford. Thanks and take care.”
  • Lynn Watson
    “Enjoy the ride for a great cause!! Thanks for doing this.”
    $155.25
    Received this donation 152 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Hi Lynn, It’s so encouraging how you have supported my fundraising efforts year after year, and the beneficial impacts of your donation are felt my so many children and families. Caring people like yourself make this world a better place …..thank you!”
  • Cathy & Joel Walker
    “Great job Don and a great cause”
    $124.20
    Received this donation 95 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Cathy & Joel, I really appreciate you cheering me on and supporting this vital cause that is helping so many children each and every day at Sick Kids Hospital. I ride with the thought of them each time I’m on my bike. Thanks 🙏 very much.”
  • Emma Bell
    “thank you don! #griffsgang”
    $124.20
    Received this donation 122 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Hi Emma, Every day that I hop on my bike for my daily ride I take your nephew Griff along with me in spirit. He motivates me with his spunk, determination, tenacity and endless other Superhero powers :) I have no doubts that your donation, along with everyone’s efforts to support Toronto Sick Kids Hospital and CHEO, will result in improved treatments and overall care & outcomes for children like Griff and their families. I’m grateful for your donation towards my ride this year and I’ll continue doing this for as long as I’m able to ( which I hope is a long time ! ) Take care. #RidingForGriff”
  • Jeff Mosher
    “Thanks Don. Matt and I will chase you with a stick if you require any additional motivation”
    $124.20
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “HI Jeff…..Hahaha…..I’ve seen Matt run so feel pretty safe from him at least :) I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness in making this donation for a very worthwhile cause. Great to see it being matched today too so your contribution will go even further towards helping these kids. Thank you.”
  • Anonymous
    “Hi Don, 30+km/day is a lot, and a big commitment. We are rooting for you, do not get hurt!”
    $124.20
    Received this donation 156 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “I really appreciate you cheering me on and supporting this vital cause that is helping so many children each and every day at Sick Kids Hospital. I ride with the thought of them each time I’m on my bike. Thanks 🙏 very much.”
  • Mike Davey
    $124.20
    Received this donation 122 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Hi Mike, Your generous donation in the “ Kick Cancer’s Butt Matching Day “ will go even further towards helping those children and their families at Toronto Sick Kids Cancer unit who this ride is all about. Each year more research and treatments are developed that help make things a bit better and gives more hope . Thank you so much…..it’s greatly appreciated.”
  • Paula Walker
    “Best wishes Don and Heather. Thank you for all the great work you are doing!”
    $124.20
    Received this donation 152 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “You and Bruce have always been such strong supporters of this fundraising effort over the years and it means so much to me and all the children it benefits. We’re grateful for your generous donation and will keep those pedals turning over every day! Thank you.”
  • Ben Bell
    “Way to go, Don!!”
    $120
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Hello Ben, Your generous donation is greatly appreciated and I know you understand so well how much this means to the children and families it benefits. Being matched today makes it go even further towards helping kids like Griff, who although we've not met in person yet, rides with me in my heart every single day. He inspires me and motivates me to never quit and keep on keeping on! Thank you so much.”
  • Anonymous
    $103.50
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Don Ross
    Don
    “Your generous donation in the “ Kick Cancer’s Butt Matching Day “ will go even further towards helping those children and their families at Toronto Sick Kids Cancer unit who this ride is all about. Each year more research and treatments are developed that help make things a bit better and gives more hope . Thank you so much!””
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