Cycling across Africa was a very special experience for us. One of the main reasons was meeting very extraordinary, special people and forging amazing lifelong friendships. One of those people is our very, very dear friend, Chris Wille. When I broke my collar bone in Ethiopia and when I was ill in Zambia, Chris was always there for us; whether it was pitching up our tent or helping us stay strong. He’s been a great friend to us, both during and after the Tour D’Afrique.
Shortly after returning back to Canada from Africa, Chris’s wife Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer. We haven’t met Linda yet but from the emails we have received from Chris we have a pretty good idea of the exceptional person that she is. The strength and courage that they have both shown through all of this has been incredible and very inspirational.
Chris will be riding in the 2009 Cycle to Conquer Cancer event, a two day ride from Vancouver to Seattle which will be held on June 20th and 21st. The funds being raised by the riders and organizers will be going to the BC Cancer Foundation to help in the fight against cancer. If you would like to sponsor Chris please follow this link. If you are interested in participating or volunteering yourself in this very special event, you can find more information here. Thank you!
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March 27th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Hey Spiros; Meeting you and Maria was one of the best highlights of the TDA for me, bested only by the stunning, challenging, everchanging landscapes, and the Local people, especially all the kids. Thanks for mentioning me on your blog. Looking forward to catching up with you when you guys get back. Best wishes, Chris wille
March 28th, 2009 at 1:55 am
People, what’s wrong with you? It’s 1:32am and I need to get up at 6am to get on the mountain. Most likely in some pouring rain. And what am I doing instead? Registering for bike rides and making sure that, indeed, if you take something away from NOTHING you’re still left with NOTHING. I love positive thinking! Hence, I challenge you!
What are you Greeks doing on June 20-21? Not wasting your time in CapeTown, I hope. Come on, let’s run as a team. I have to admit I went through the list of 231 teams hoping to find you already as a team. Your names were not on the list. Disappointment.
OK, I admit not being much of a cyclist, but at least I can act as a team member. And, interestingly enough, the thought crossed my mind a couple of weeks ago when I first saw the pamphlet. And since I have learned a couple more related stories.
Anyway, enough talking about it and let’s better do something.
Ironman, stay strong and positive especially with your strong family backup!
But Pepe, Pepe is devastated. He was not a highlight …
March 28th, 2009 at 2:02 am
I guess, what I mean is that we can make it a very special ride.
I look around and during my last year or so my universe of people I know who have suffered directly or indirectly from cancer has expanded immensely.
Let’s join Chris in deed as well.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 am
Diana,
It’s absolutely wonderful that you have signed up! We looked into doing it as well and would love to be a part of it but we only get to Vancouver a few days before the event, and unfortunately would not have the time to raise the $5000 needed to participate. We are hoping to volunteer though. Anyone wanting to sponsor Diana and Pepe can go here. Thanks D.
May 7th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Peters bestest friend Adam, lost his courageous battle with cancer this week. He fought to the end. He was an amazing little boy. Thank you for participating in the ride.