It's cycling from the soul for members of Jarrid's Team - comprised of family and friends of the late Cochranite who take part annually in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer in Alberta. The family is kicking off the fundraising season for Jarrid's Team, where around 15 cyclists will take part in the two-day ride that raises funds for the Alberta Cancer Society, on June 20 - which would have been his 34th birthday. From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., those who knew Jarrid in person or in spirit are welcome to stop by The Canadian Brewhouse in Cochrane. The cost is $20/ticket, which includes an alcoholic beverage and a round at the appetizer buffet, with proceeds going toward Jarrid's Team. "We've decided to do it on his birthday so we can remember who Jarrid was - his determination and what he stood for," said Susanne Rich, Jarrid's mother, reflecting on her son's tenacity, athleticism and commitment to his two children. While Jarrid was a Cobra football player, his kids have taken up his athletic spirit through different sports - 14-year-old Grace is a track and field and cross-country athlete and 12-year-old Jaxon is a hockey player. Jarrid was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer in his lungs in 2010 - a peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma; rare cancers like this are referred to as "orphan cancers." He faced an exhausting three-year battle and eventually succumbed on March 7, 2013, at the age of 28. In between his treatments, he managed to participate in the first rides for Jarrid's Team - in 2011 and 2012. The unforgiving return of his cancer in early 2013 prevented him from riding again. "This event is a way to remind people that there are other cancers that need research ... everybody should have the same opportunity for a cure, but they don't," said Susanne. For Jarrid's older sister, Sarah, her brother's strong spirit lives on through the success of Jarrid's Team year after year. "He never gave up - that's something worth remembering," said Sarah. "We were very close. I drove him crazy." "It's not like he was panicked or scared or anything, it's just that in his mind he wasn't going to die," she said, adding that her brother remained adamant he was going to receive chemotherapy again right up to his final moments, with barely enough time to face the reality that his tumours had grown so rapidly that there was nothing the doctors could have done for him. This year's ride has taken on new meaning, as the family recently faced another blow with the untimely loss of Susanne's husband, Jarrid and Sarah's father. Albert "Ab" Rich died on Jan. 14, resulting from complications after he took a fall. "It's a tough time for our family again," said Sarah, adding that this year's ride feels even more significant due to the loss of her dad. "The people who ride for Jarrid are not just supporters - many of them are also warriors." Team captain Frank Symons misses riding with his godson, Jarrid, but is proud to forge on each year in honour of the late athlete. "We have riders of all abilities ... at the end we all cross the finish line together," said Symons, explaining that the speediest cyclists on the team go back to join the rest of their teammates. Four members of Jarrid's team this year live in the Cochrane area. Each rider is required to fundraise $2,500. The family-hosted event on June 20 seeks to top up rider shortfalls to ensure everyone who wishes to take part can do so. This year's 200-km ride takes place Aug. 18 to 19, beginning at Canada Olympic Park and heading to Sundre. This is the 10th year since the ride began. The June 20 event will also feature a silent auction. The family is still rounding up auction donations. To get in touch with the Rich family, contact them at 403-932-4316. Learn more at jarridsteam.com.
