Miles & Nancy van Loenen
- National: 318th
- Province: 179th in ON
I'm Riding For
Atlas van Loenen
Atlas, a vibrant and healthy boy, was suddenly diagnosed with a rare brain cancer just days after his first birthday. Atlas underwent four brain surgeries. He endured five months of intensive chemo treatment, including two bone marrow transplants, in an effort to extend his life. Side effects from treatment kept Atlas inpatient at the hospital for months at a time. Sadly, the cancer was too aggressive, and Atlas was taken from us in April 2021, just eight months after his diagnosis. This bright, happy, clever, adorable soul is deeply missed by all who had the privilege of loving him. Atlas loved his older brother Ezra to pieces and was able to briefly meet his younger brother Ozias. His family welcomed another brother, Isaac, in 2023 and sister Azalea in 2024. Surely, he would have loved getting up to all sorts of shenanigans with them all - and been just as sweet and bright as they are. He will forever be a loved and cherished member of our family and will not ever be forgotten. Xoxox
My Story
This August, we are 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.
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
So we are raising funds through our challenge to help these kids and support SickKids Foundation to allow them to continue their work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer.
Please support us by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.
Your support will change little lives.
Thank you.
My Legacy
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254 km Ridden$2,594 Raised2021
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152 km Ridden$624 Raised2023
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251 km Ridden$1,728 Raised2024
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256 km Ridden$1,526 Raised2025
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Ridden$730 Raised2026
My Challenge
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$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 4 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 4 days ago -
Two weeks out!
16 Jul 2026August is almost here, which means it's time for another Great Cycle Challenge.
This year marks our fifth year riding to raise money for SickKids in memory of Atlas. What started as a way to honour his life has become one of the most meaningful things we do each year.
Many of you knew Atlas and prayed alongside us while he was battling. Others have simply supported us because you know how much this cause means to our family. Although Atlas' time here was far too short, his story continues to inspire us and reminds us why this cause is so important. No family should have to hear the words, "Your child has cancer."
Another reason we continue to ride is because of Miles.
Watching him grow into this challenge has been one of the greatest blessings. What started as a little boy riding alongside his Mum has become something much bigger. He talks about Atlas often, asks thoughtful questions about him, and genuinely understands why we do this. Just yesterday, while telling me all about the family he hopes to have one day (apparently with lots of dogs and cats!), he asked if he could one day give his son the middle name Atlas. It was one of those moments that reminds us that love and legacy don't disappear - they continue through the hearts of those who remember.
Over the past five years, thanks to your incredible generosity, we've ridden 913 kilometres and raised $6,521.77 for childhood cancer research and care through SickKids. Every donation - big or small - has helped us reach that total, and we're so thankful for every person who has supported us along the way.
This year, we're asking for your help once again.
If you're able to make a donation, we would be incredibly grateful. Every dollar goes toward helping researchers find better treatments and giving hope to children and families who are facing the hardest battle of their lives.
You can support our ride here:
https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/riders/NancyvanLoenen
If you're not able to donate this year, we completely understand. We would appreciate your prayers for the children currently battling cancer, for their families, and for the doctors and researchers working tirelessly to find better treatments.
Thank you for continuing to support our family and for helping us keep Atlas' memory alive in such a meaningful way. We truly couldn't do this without you.
Posted 5 days ago -
$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 5 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 5 days ago
My Sponsors
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KMCPA
$250Received this donation 4 days ago
Miles
“Thank you so so much for your generosity. We will do a special giant ride in your name - stay tuned for an update on that!”
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Anonymous
$103.50Received this donation 5 days ago
Miles
“Thank you, Mystery Person! We wont let you down!!”
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Uncle Ian & Auntie Marian
“Good luck on your ride!”
$103.50Received this donation 5 days ago
Miles
“Thank you both!! Appreciate your support and love :)”
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Valerie Duffy
“Enjoy every ride of the summer-”
$103.50Received this donation 3 days ago
Miles
“Thank you so much Val! Appreciate your support :) we will share lots of photos!”
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Anonymous
$51.75Received this donation 5 days ago
Miles
“Thank you for your support!!”
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Lexie Mitchell
“So proud of you both and what you do in Atlas’ memory.”
$36.23Received this donation 5 days ago
Miles
“Thank you Aunty Lexie! We'll cycle until our bums hurt...and beyond!”
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Crystal Holman
$31.05Received this donation 2 days ago
Miles
“Thanks you guys!”
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Miles & Nancy van Loenen
“Kicking things off with my own personal donation to fight kids' cancer!”
$50Received this donation 61 days ago