Don Ross

Cancer is the largest killer of kids in Canada, 27 children are diagnosed every week. Please support my challenge to fight kids' cancer! #GriffinMyHeartForever

Donate Now

I've Ridden 1,988.0 km to fight kids' cancer

My Rankings

National: 88th
Province: 44th in ON

I've raised $6,316 My goal is $7,000 Donate Now

I'm Riding For

In Memory of Griff Bell & in honour of Heather Ross

As I ride each day , indoors in winter & outdoors spring to fall, it will be with the memory of 6 year old Griffin Bell from Ottawa ( June 26, 2017 - March 18, 2024 ) in my heart along with my inspirational partner Heather who I've been grateful to be married to for 45 years. She continues to set an amazing example for all our family and anyone who knows her with how she lives her life each and every day. She’s managed all the challenges of breast cancer since 1999 and Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer since 2011 in a dignified way that gives great hope and cheer to others. Her toughness is beyond measure and there is no quit in her character. These are the same qualities that Griff Bell displayed during his short life & other young children bring out in themselves as they manage their cancer treatments with their loving families always at their sides. Griff Bell was a bright light of joy to all who knew him during his life here on Earth and we’ll never stop fighting for children like him! #GriffinMyHeart #RidingForHeather #FightLikeaKid

My Story

5 Aug 2024

This will be my 7th year 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. 3 young lives are lost every week like the brave young boy who rides with me in my heart , 6 year old Griffin Bell from Ottawa ( June 26, 2017 - March 18, 2024 ) . Every 2 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer around the world. My wife & I sometimes see these young children when we are at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre & Toronto Western where she's been receiving ongoing care for Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. We’re so grateful for the life saving research being done there and for the care & treatment she receives at UHN in Toronto & at BGH Oncology in Belleville. Hospitals like Toronto Sick Kids and CHEO in Ottawa are doing incredible work with children dealing with cancer. As any parent or grandparent like us would say.....all kids should be living life, not fighting for it . So I'm raising funds through my challenge to ride each day all year long to help these kids and support Sick Kids Foundation . This helps them continue their work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer. Please support me by making a donation to give these brave kids the brighter futures they deserve.Your support will change little lives. Thank you so much! #GriffinMyHeartForever #RidingForHeather #FightLikeAKid

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 7 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

1,562 km Ridden

$1,541 Raised

2018
1,698 km Ridden

$2,846 Raised

2019
2,456 km Ridden

Raised

2020
2,434 km Ridden

$4,509 Raised

2021
2,010 km Ridden

$3,594 Raised

2022
2,135 km Ridden

$8,370 Raised

2023

14,283 km

Ridden

$28,221

Raised

My Challenge

28.0 km ride - Milford to Morrison pt rd loop - Sunday, September 29, 2024

Logged this ride 84 days ago
28.0 km ride - Milford to end of Cty rd 17 & back - Saturday, September 28, 2024

Logged this ride 85 days ago
32.0 km ride - Milford to pt Petre lighthouse and back - Friday, September 27, 2024

Logged this ride 86 days ago
48.0 km ride - Milford to lakeshore lodge at sandbanks and back - Thursday, September 26, 2024

Logged this ride 87 days ago
24.0 km ride - Indoor trainer - Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Logged this ride 88 days ago
24.0 km ride - Indoor trainer - Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Logged this ride 89 days ago
16.0 km ride - Indoor trainer - Monday, September 23, 2024

Logged this ride 90 days ago
32.0 km ride - Milford to Picton downtown via Base 31 & back via Old Milford Rd - Sunday, September 22, 2024

Logged this ride 91 days ago
50.0 km ride - Milford to Long Point and back - Friday, September 20, 2024

Logged this ride 93 days ago
42.0 km ride - Milford to Bloomfield bike shop via Base 31 and back - Thursday, September 19, 2024

Logged this ride 94 days ago

My Sponsors

Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation

“Here's your matched donation made possible by the generosity of long-time SickKids Foundation supporters, the Garron family. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$1,874.17
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Dear Garron Family, It’s so amazing what your generosity each year does on this matching day. Thank you so much.”

Dear Garron Family, It’s so amazing what your generosity each year does on this matching day. Thank you so much.
Lynn Strey

“pedal power; keep the wheels turning Don.”
$517.50
Received this donation 130 days ago

Don

“Lynn…..you’re incredibly generous and have been so supportive of my efforts over these years. Can’t thank you enough. Will always keep the wheels rolling along for these kids. My birthday ride in Sept will be 70 km that day :) Take care. Love 💕 from Heather and I”

Lynn…..you’re incredibly generous and have been so supportive of my efforts over these years. Can’t thank you enough. Will always keep the wheels rolling along for these kids. My birthday ride in Sept will be 70 km that day :) Take care. Love 💕 from Heather and I
Matt Ross

“Proud of you today and every day dad / Bop Bop. Keep kicking ass Matt, Ang, O-dog and Hails”
$517.50
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Dear Matt, Ang, O-dog and Hails, You’re incredibly generous and have been so supportive of my efforts over these 7 years. I Can’t thank you enough for this donation and for all the others that came about from your help on matching day . Will always keep the wheels rolling along for these kids and their families. My birthday ride in Sept I’ll be doing 70 km that day :) Proud to be your Dad / Bop Bop. Love 💕 you all.”

Dear Matt, Ang, O-dog and Hails, You’re incredibly generous and have been so supportive of my efforts over these 7 years. I Can’t thank you enough for this donation and for all the others that came about from your help on matching day . Will always keep the wheels rolling along for these kids and their families. My birthday ride in Sept I’ll be doing 70 km that day :) Proud to be your Dad / Bop Bop. Love 💕 you all.
Sarah/Jim Hurst

“Always proud of you Don. Well done.”
$450
Received this donation 195 days ago

Don

“Sarah and Jim....you've always been my biggest supporters every year and we can't thank you enough for your incredible generosity.”

Sarah and Jim....you've always been my biggest supporters every year and we can't thank you enough for your incredible generosity.
JMo

“Your dedication to great cause is inspiring, keep the wheels in motion”
$258.75
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Hi Jeff, Much appreciated by me and everyone we’re riding on behalf of. I can always feel these children riding with me each day and hope they can live to experience the freedom of riding a bike when they get past their treatments and beyond the restrictions placed on them by cancer. Your donation gets matched today by the Garron family. Thank you.”

Hi Jeff, Much appreciated by me and everyone we’re riding on behalf of. I can always feel these children riding with me each day and hope they can live to experience the freedom of riding a bike when they get past their treatments and beyond the restrictions placed on them by cancer. Your donation gets matched today by the Garron family. Thank you.
Lynn Watson

“Thanks for all the miles you've ridden, Don. Have a good summer!!”
$207
Received this donation 172 days ago

Don

“Dear Lynn…….you are a true gem of a person with a kind and generous heart ♥️ and we’re grateful to have your support for this cause again this year. Lucky to have you as our Milford neighbour too :)”

Dear Lynn…….you are a true gem of a person with a kind and generous heart ♥️ and we’re grateful to have your support for this cause again this year. Lucky to have you as our Milford neighbour too :)
Michael Cooke

“Happy riding towards your 70th Birthday Don!!!”
$170
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Mike & Carol, Just got back in from a ride to Lakeshore Lodge to find your message. Very kind of you to make this generous donation once again this year is support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. It will get matched today too by the Garron family. Gonna do my 70 km trek on or near my 70th. Hope your 74th is going well today Mike. Thanks again.”

Mike & Carol, Just got back in from a ride to Lakeshore Lodge to find your message. Very kind of you to make this generous donation once again this year is support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. It will get matched today too by the Garron family. Gonna do my 70 km trek on or near my 70th. Hope your 74th is going well today Mike. Thanks again.
Lynn Watson

“Thanks to the Garron Family for matching donations and thanks Don for all your kilometers in support of SickKids!!”
$155.25
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Lynn, Much appreciated by me and everyone we’re riding on behalf of. I can always feel these children riding with me each day and hope they can live to experience the freedom of riding a bike when they get past their treatments and beyond the restrictions placed on them by cancer. Thank you once again.”

Lynn, Much appreciated by me and everyone we’re riding on behalf of. I can always feel these children riding with me each day and hope they can live to experience the freedom of riding a bike when they get past their treatments and beyond the restrictions placed on them by cancer. Thank you once again.
Cathy & Joel Walker

“Congrats Don for such a great cause Keep on bikin!!!”
$124.20
Received this donation 166 days ago

Don

“Kathy and Joel...I sure will and ongoing support from kind people like yourselves certainly make those hot afternoon rides worthwhile. Thanks so much and have a great summer.”

Kathy and Joel...I sure will and ongoing support from kind people like yourselves certainly make those hot afternoon rides worthwhile. Thanks so much and have a great summer.
Donald Chisholm
$124.20
Received this donation 133 days ago

Don

“Don & Fran, Very kind of you to make this generous donation once again this year is support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. Thanks very much.”

Don & Fran, Very kind of you to make this generous donation once again this year is support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. Thanks very much.
June Collins

“Way to go, Ross”
$124.20
Received this donation 170 days ago

Don

“Thanks so much June. Your support of this ongoing effort is much appreciated. Happy Birthday too from Heather and I. :)”

Thanks so much June. Your support of this ongoing effort is much appreciated. Happy Birthday too from Heather and I. :)
Lorie Stevenson

“Great job Don for the kids who endure and family you love.”
$124.20
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Dear Lorie & Terry, So very kind of you to make this very generous donation once again this year in support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. Donating as you have today makes it go even further when matched by the Garron family. Thanks very much.”

Dear Lorie & Terry, So very kind of you to make this very generous donation once again this year in support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. Donating as you have today makes it go even further when matched by the Garron family. Thanks very much.
Sherrida Rawlings

“We thank you for your heartfelt support.”
$124.20
Received this donation 133 days ago

Don

“Sherrida and John…….I can’t thank you enough for supporting my efforts. I’m grateful to be able to do something that means so much to so many people. Thank you….thank you!”

Sherrida and John…….I can’t thank you enough for supporting my efforts. I’m grateful to be able to do something that means so much to so many people. Thank you….thank you!
Stuart Ross

“What better way to celebrate 45 years of marriage and a 70th birthday!”
$119.03
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Dear Stuart, So kind of you to make this very generous donation once again this year in support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. It's the perfect birthday and anniversary gift for us. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. Donating as you have today before midnight makes it go even further when matched by the Garron family. Thanks very much.”

Dear Stuart, So kind of you to make this very generous donation once again this year in support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. It's the perfect birthday and anniversary gift for us. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. Donating as you have today before midnight makes it go even further when matched by the Garron family. Thanks very much.
Evan, Tamy, Abby + (griff)

“Thank you for all you do Don.”
$103.50
Received this donation 132 days ago

Don

“Dear Evan, Tamy and Abby, I'm about 5 mins from hopping on my bike for my daily ride while Heather takes her afternoon nap. Griff is with me in spirit every single time. I feel him so strongly even though we never met in person & I find myself talking with him during my rides. He and your family inspire me to be the best I can be and to never quit. Thank you for sharing your lives with us as you've done.”

Dear Evan, Tamy and Abby, I'm about 5 mins from hopping on my bike for my daily ride while Heather takes her afternoon nap. Griff is with me in spirit every single time. I feel him so strongly even though we never met in person & I find myself talking with him during my rides. He and your family inspire me to be the best I can be and to never quit. Thank you for sharing your lives with us as you've done.
Hugh Jackson

“Keep up the great work Don.”
$103.50
Received this donation 112 days ago

Don

“Hi Hugh, I certainly will and your support of my efforts is greatly appreciated. Hope you’re keeping well and we must sit down for a coffee and visit together sometime soon. Take care.”

Hi Hugh, I certainly will and your support of my efforts is greatly appreciated. Hope you’re keeping well and we must sit down for a coffee and visit together sometime soon. Take care.
Jason Butchart
$103.50
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Hi Jason, Thanks so much for supporting this effort that helps so many children and their families through very difficult, challenging times. Much appreciated, and your donation gets matched today by the Garron family. Cheers.”

Hi Jason, Thanks so much for supporting this effort that helps so many children and their families through very difficult, challenging times. Much appreciated, and your donation gets matched today by the Garron family. Cheers.
Karen Whelpdale
$103.50
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Dear Karen & Gavin, Thanks so much for supporting this effort once again this year, that helps so many children and their families through very difficult, challenging times. Much appreciated, and your donation gets matched today by the Garron family so it goes that much further. Cheers.”

Dear Karen & Gavin, Thanks so much for supporting this effort once again this year, that helps so many children and their families through very difficult, challenging times. Much appreciated, and your donation gets matched today by the Garron family so it goes that much further. Cheers.
Paula Walker

“Thank you for your dedication and great effort Don! Best wishes from Paula and Bruce”
$103.50
Received this donation 129 days ago

Don

“Bruce & Paula, Very kind of you to make this generous donation once again this year is support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. It will get matched today too by the Garron family. I always watch for you folks walking when I’m riding and maybe we’ll meet up again on the road? Thanks very much.””

Bruce & Paula, Very kind of you to make this generous donation once again this year is support of so many families dealing with very difficult challenges. I’m happy and grateful to be able to do my small part to support them. It will get matched today too by the Garron family. I always watch for you folks walking when I’m riding and maybe we’ll meet up again on the road? Thanks very much.”
Alison and David Hicks
$100
Received this donation 137 days ago

Don

“Alison and Dave, Wed the 14th is the day donations are being matched up to $1.3 million by the Garron family trust so your generous donation will get processed that day. Thanks so much for supporting this effort that helps so many children and their families.”

Alison and Dave, Wed the 14th is the day donations are being matched up to $1.3 million by the Garron family trust so your generous donation will get processed that day. Thanks so much for supporting this effort that helps so many children and their families.