Gabriel is Gabriel Bélanger. A 25-year-old from Gatineau, who is the spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society event, which will take place on Saturday, February 24, at the Galeries Aylmer. Participants will spin between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. While one- and two-hour blocks are offered to cyclists, Gabriel and a friend will pedal for the entire duration of the 4th Grand Spin Don, which aims to raise $23,500.

For him, it is important to give. Eight years ago, he was struck down by cancer. In remission since 2012, the man in his mid-twenties has always done everything he can to give back to help research. Last year, he took part in the Grand Spin Don, pedaling for three hours. But after seeing a participant do it for the entire event, it motivated Gabriel to do more himself.

“It was my first time spinning, too. The first hour is the worst, but after that you get used to it. You always hear people say they want to do more. This is a good opportunity to do it.”

“When I was at CHEO, I saw newborns diagnosed with this horrible disease. Cancer is all they’ve ever known,” added Gabriel, who said he was saddened to see situations like this.

That’s what always inspired him to do more, he who would have many reasons to stop, if he wanted to.

You have to understand that Gabriel Bélanger wasn’t lucky. When he got sick, he had just finished high school and had started his police technique, which he had to put on hold, expressing the wish to want to do more for the cause of the fight against cancer.

Two years after the cancer, he had a blockage in the passage of cerebrospinal fluid. He subsequently broke his right leg twice, once after being hit by a vehicle. Then, last year, he had an infection in his foot during a Spartan Race.

Despite everything, Gabriel continues.

"You should never stop. You can hear it in the Queens song, We are the champions. It says in the song that we will continue to fight until the end," said Gabriel who considers himself a "miracle".

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