The race is still a long way down the road, but the wheels are already in motion for the Cops Crushing Cancer cycling team. The Edmonton Police Service group has been riding in the Enbridge Tour of Alberta for 15 years while raising funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

“Last year, we had four of us that were on the ride and personally, I would love to see us back up to twenty or more on our team. It's just an amazing event…Well worth the time and effort, said Sgt. Mike Fehr.

“KEEPING A PROMISE THAT I MADE”

He is the longest-serving rider and has been pumping the pedals for 10 years after losing his sister Melissa to cancer in 2012. Fehr rides for her and others touched by cancer.

“I made a promise to her that I would ride as long as I could.”

“HONOR EVERYONE WHO’S WON THE BATTLE AND ALSO HONOR THE ONES WHO’VE LOST THE BATTLE”

That’s what Constable Krystle Daoud plans to do this summer. She is one of the lucky ones. Daoud was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in 2007 after returning from a tour with the military. She was just 21 years old at the time.

“It's the fear of the unknown. You don't know what's going to happen, but I’m very stubborn…It wasn’t without a tough fight, and I just say to anyone who’s ever in that position to just never give up,” said Daoud.

“I WORE THAT FLAG WITH PRIDE”

She’s been cancer free for 11 years and obviously wears a badge with EPS. However, she wore another distinctive emblem during her last ride.

“They gave me the yellow survivor flag, which meant a lot to me. Just to say…’Hey, you made it, you beat it.’ So, I wore that flag with pride…It just really warms my heart.”

The cyclists ride for their own different reasons. It's a two-day event covering about 200km, but riders say it’s easy to get over the physical hardship and pain, because they know the money will be well-used by the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

“Important pieces of equipment have been purchased. As well as the additional patient care that they've been able to provide because of this event. You won't regret it if you join,” said Fehr.

You can support the team by clicking on this link.

https://support.touralbertaforcancer.ca/team/438237