Mark Hiemstra

6years All Star
Mark Hiemstra
I am riding 1,200 km in memory of my mum, Christine Hiemstra. Please sponsor me and support my challenge to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.
I've Ridden 0.0 km ? My goal is 1,200 km
My Rankings
  • National: 50th
  • Province: 30th in ON
  • My Team: 1st
I've raised $1,701 My goal is $5,000 Donate Now

I'm Riding For

Christine Hiemstra

Christine Hiemstra

Christine, my mom, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2015. Sadly she lost her battle on June 17, 2024. This year I will be not only cycling for all the kids and their parents, but also for Mom.

My Story

18 May 2026

This August, I’m participating in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids’ cancer.

Why? This cause is deeply personal to me.

More than 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Canada, and it remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children—something no family should have to face. While we lost our baby girl Evelyn to a different cause, I understand the fear and heartbreak of losing a child. My mom also passed away from melanoma on June 17, 2024.

This year, I ride in honour of these children, their families, Evelyn, and my mom. Kids should be living their lives—not fighting for them.

This is my sixth year in the challenge. Throughout August, I’ll be riding the Guelph-to-Goderich (G2G) Rail Trail. I invite you to join me! I’ll ride every Saturday and during the final week, completing 132 km rides, with a final 260 km end-to-end ride to finish.

I’m raising funds for SickKids Foundation to support better treatments and a cure.

Please consider donating. As a thank you, anyone who rides with me will receive a handmade wooden medallion.

We’ll also have prize draws in June–September, plus extra prizes on Kick Cancer’s Butt Day. A $25 donation earns one ballot. Prizes include a charcuterie board, 3D-printed games, a family pass to Clovermead Adventure Farm, and more.

Donors of $100+ are invited to an All-You-Can-Eat Rib & Chicken BBQ on September 19th.

Thank you for your support—your generosity makes a real difference.

Mark

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 6 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.
  • 605 km Ridden
    $1,081 Raised
    2021
  • 728 km Ridden
    $1,540 Raised
    2022
  • 1,195 km Ridden
    $4,000 Raised
    2023
  • 1,536 km Ridden
    $6,548 Raised
    2024
  • 1,574 km Ridden
    $10,658 Raised
    2025
  • Ridden
    $1,701 Raised
    2026
6years
5,637 km
Ridden
$25,527
Raised

My Challenge

  • Evelyn: The Little Girl Who Inspires Every Mile
    3 Jul 2026

    Every August, I ride in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer. People often ask me what keeps me going through the early mornings, long rides, sore legs, and countless kilometres.

    The answer is simple: Evelyn.

    Evelyn is my daughter. She was born on May 3, 2019, just three days before her due date. Tragically, instead of coming home with us, she went straight into the arms of Jesus. In a single moment, our family's world changed forever.

    There are no words that truly capture the pain of losing a child. While the years have helped us learn how to carry that grief, they have never taken it away. Evelyn will always be part of our family. She is loved every day, remembered in every milestone, and missed more than words can express. Although our hearts ache for the life we never got to share with her, we find peace in knowing she is safe.

    When I first joined the Great Cycle Challenge, I did it because no family should have to hear the words, "Your child has cancer." While our family's loss was different, I know what it is like to have your hopes and dreams for your child change in an instant. That experience has given me a deep compassion for families who spend every day praying, hoping, and fighting for more time with their children.

    Every kilometre I ride is for kids who are battling cancer. Every dollar raised helps fund life-saving research that gives children a better chance to grow up, chase their dreams, and create memories with the people who love them.

    But every ride is also for Evelyn.

    When the rides get tough, I think about her. I think about the life she never had the opportunity to live, and it reminds me why these kilometres matter. She inspires me to keep pedalling when I want to stop, to climb one more hill, and to do everything I can to help give other children the chance to experience birthdays, graduations, family vacations, and all the little moments we so often take for granted.

    This year, my son Jayden is riding alongside me. Watching him honour his little sister while helping children he has never met fills me with pride. It reminds me that love doesn't end when someone is gone. Evelyn continues to shape our family, inspiring us to love more deeply, serve more faithfully, and make a difference wherever we can.

    If you've supported me by donating, sharing my page, cheering me on, or praying for our family, thank you. Your generosity is doing so much more than supporting a bike ride. You are helping fund research that gives children hope, gives families more precious time together, and brings us one step closer to a world where no child has to endure cancer.

    Evelyn may never ride beside me, but I carry her with me every time I clip into my pedals. She is there in every sunrise start, every steep climb, every kilometre, and every finish line.

    I ride because every child deserves the chance to grow up.

    I ride because every family deserves hope.

    And I ride in loving memory of my daughter, Evelyn, whose life, though far too short, continues to inspire every mile I pedal.

    Evelyn: The Little Girl Who Inspires Every Mile
    Posted 5 days ago
  • 2 Jul 2026

    🎉 It's time for our June Great Cycle Challenge Prize Draw! 🎉

    First, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated during June. Every donation helps support the fight against childhood cancer, and every name in this raffle represents someone who chose to make a difference. We truly couldn't do this without you. 💛🚴

    Now for the moment we've all been waiting for...

    🥁 The winner of the Mini Porch Sign is... [Tim R]! 🎉

    And now it's Jayden's turn...

    🐉 The winner of Jayden's 3D Printed Dragon is... [Bryan H]! 🎉

    Congratulations to both of our winners! We'll be in touch to arrange getting your prizes.

    But we're just getting started...

    🔥 July's Giveaway! 🔥

    This month we're giving away FOUR custom laser-engraved serving boards, generously donated by On The Mark Laser Engraving!

    🏆 Two serving boards will be drawn from everyone who donates through Mark's Great Cycle Challenge page.

    🏆 Two serving boards will be drawn from everyone who donates through Jayden's Great Cycle Challenge page.

    Every $25 donated earns you one ballot, so the more you donate, the more chances you have to win—all while helping kids battling cancer.

    To support our ride and be entered into the July draw:

    🚴 Mark's Great Cycle Challenge:

    https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/MarkHiemstra

    🚴 Jayden's Great Cycle Challenge:

    https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/JaydenHiemstra

    Learn more about On The Mark Laser Engraving and our custom work at:

    https://www.onthemarklaser.ca

    Thank you for supporting our Great Cycle Challenge and helping give these incredible kids a fighting chance against childhood cancer. Together, let's make July our biggest month yet! 💛🚴

    Posted 7 days ago
  • KW Comic Con
    18 Jun 2026

    This weekend, I'll be at KW Comic Con with White Owl Wands at Booth A-33, and I'd love to see some familiar faces!

    To help support this amazing cause, we're offering a special promotion during the event.

    ⭐ Make a $25 donation to my Great Cycle Challenge fundraising page and you'll receive:

    - An entry into a draw to win one of our handcrafted Core Wands

    - A FREE keychain of your choice.

    Thank you support in life-saving research and support programs for children and families affected by cancer.

    Whether you're attending KW Comic Con to enjoy the amazing vendors, cosplay, comics, and attractions, or you're simply stopping by to say hello, your support means the world to me.

    📍 KW Comic Con – Booth A-33

    🪄 White Owl Wands ( https://www.whiteowlwands.ca)

    🚴 Supporting Great Cycle Challenge Canada

    Thank you to everyone who continues to support both White Owl Wands and my Great Cycle Challenge journey. Together, we're helping make a difference for kids fighting cancer.

    Hope to see you at the show! 💛🚴‍♂️🪄

    KW Comic Con
    Posted 20 days ago
  • 2026 Kick off
    14 Jun 2026

    🚴‍♂️ Welcome to the 2026 Great Cycle Challenge season! 🚴‍♂️

    Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. Together, we've raised more than $24,000 and ridden thousands of kilometres to help fight kids' cancer. Every donation, share, and word of encouragement has helped make a difference for children and families facing this difficult battle.

    This year is especially meaningful because my son, Jayden, will be cycling alongside me. Together, we'll be riding to support SickKids Foundation and help fund life-saving research and treatments for children with cancer.

    To thank our supporters, we'll be holding a prize draw every month from June through September. For every $25 donated, you'll receive one entry into that month's draw.

    🎁 June Prize: A handcrafted mini porch sign donated by On The Mark Laser Engraving.

    We'll also have additional prize draws on Kick Cancer's Butt Day, so stay tuned for more details throughout the summer.

    This ride is in memory of my daughter Evelyn, in honour of my mother Christine, and for every child and family affected by cancer.

    We invite you to follow our journey, cheer us on, join us for a ride, and, if you're able, support this important cause.

    2026 Kick off
    Posted 24 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 30 days ago
  • $500 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 31 days ago
  • 89.0 km ride - Morning Ride - Saturday, May 2, 2026
    Logged this ride 68 days ago - View on Strava
  • $250 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 104 days ago
  • $100 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 121 days ago
  • 0.0 km ride - Afternoon Ride - Saturday, February 21, 2026
    Logged this ride 137 days ago - View on Strava
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My Sponsors

  • Bryant Harris
    “Way to go, Mark”
    $517.50
    Received this donation 30 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Bryant. Thank you for your ongoing support. Together we are making a difference in kids and their families lives.”
  • Donald Tuck
    “I know you can do this! God bless you!”
    $258.75
    Received this donation 6 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Wow! You guys are so amazing. Thanks for helping me kick cancers butt.”
  • Anonymous
    $207
    Received this donation 121 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Thank you so much for the support. Together we are changing little lives.”
  • Tim RILEY
    “I have known Mark for many years and I am proud and blessed to call him my friend/Brother ❤️👊!! I was greatly saddened by the loss of his daughter Evelyn....and I attended her celebration of life and how much she was cherished and loved. Mark is a great father and a family oriented man❤️👊 !! I am glad he is taking his pain, grief and loss and is using it to give him a constructive passion and a way to make a difference; :by raising funds through The Great Cycle Challenge for children's cancer research and treatment, in Evelyns memory. I was encouraged to hear his son Jayden will be joining him this year. It affected their whole family and they are doing something very constructive to help them work through their grief and loss, and keep Evelyns memory alive and honoured within their family ❤️‍🩹✝️. Please consider supporting Mark and Jayden in this very personal Great Cycle Challenge, helping then heal their grief and loss and making a positive difference, helping others”
    $124.20
    Received this donation 31 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Thank you brother for the kind words. Thank you for helping me kick cancer's butt.”
  • Juanita Ogilvie
    “Oh my...your loss of Evelyn Hope will forever be remembered in my heart. I grieved with your family then and still have that lingering sadness of a beautiful life never lived outside the womb. She is missed. Your compassion is deep. Grief can make us bitter or compassionate. You chose compassion. Ride on!”
    $103.50
    Received this donation 4 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Juanita. Thank you so much for all your support of the years. I’m blessed to have friends like you.”
  • Luther Village Spring Market
    “Thank you to the following who donated at Luther Village Spring Market. Cheryl M, Scott P, Maad A, Regina V. also 10% of today sales from On The Mark Laser Engraving. Thank you everyone. Mark”
    $95
    Received this donation 74 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Thank you everyone. Thank you On The Mark Laser Engraving.”
  • Don
    “Good luck! (We chatted with you in the park on Milverton today)”
    $72.45
    Received this donation 52 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Don. Thank you so much for helping me KICK caners butt. Together we are changing lives.”
  • White Owl Wands @ KW Comic Con
    “Thank you to everyone who stopped by the White Owl Wands booth this past weekend! Whether you purchased a handcrafted wand, entered our raffle, or simply stopped to chat, your support means so much to us. A special thank you to James and Adam for participating in our charity wand raffle in support of the Great Cycle Challenge Canada. Congratulations to Adam, our raffle winner! Most importantly, thank you to everyone who helped support the fight against childhood cancer. Every dollar raised through the raffle, and a percentage of our sales, will go directly toward helping fund research and support programs for kids and families facing this difficult battle. Together, we are helping give these children hope for a brighter future. Thank you for making the weekend such a success! 🦉 White Owl Wands”
    $60
    Received this donation 16 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Thank you White Owl Wands for the donation. Thank you KW Comic Con for hosting this event.”
  • Jared Rahn
    $51.75
    Received this donation 104 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Thanks for the amazing support Rahn family. Together we are kicking cancer's butt”
  • Juanita Ogilvie
    “Press on!! How exciting to have Jayden joining you:)”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 22 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Juanita & Brian. Thank you so much for your continued support of our family over the years. Together we are going to kick cancer's butt.”
  • Michelle Buchanan
    “You are awesome!!”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 4 hours ago
  • John Muldoon
    “Rooting for you Mark”
    $50
    Received this donation 25 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “John, thank you so much for the generous donation. Making a difference $1.00/1 km at a time.”
  • Anonymous
    “Great job!”
    $41.40
    Received this donation 74 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Thank you so much for helping me to kick Cancer's butt.”
  • Peter Maroosis
    $15.53
    Received this donation 13 days ago
    Mark Hiemstra
    Mark
    “Thank you Peter for the Donation. Enjoy the Keychain.”
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