When Sharon and Ariel Andres finally cycled into the Civic Centre this afternoon, they were tired and elated.
Tired because of the 840 kilometres they had logged over the last four days on the Tour For Kids ride against cancer, and elated because they were doing something to help their son Liam, a cancer survivor.
The cycling adventure started off in Mississauga and wound its way through Gravenhurst, Haliburton, Peterborough and back home again. The participants gathered pledges and donations, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going towards three camps that allow children struggling with cancer to enjoy a vacation experience with their peers.
“It costs $700 for one child to attend one week at these special camps,” said Sharon Andres, sighting the extensive medical facilities and special staff, such as oncologists, required to keep the camps safe. “It’s essential that they get the support they need. Kids need to feel normal when they’re dealing with this disease and this is the best thing for them.”
When the participants reached the end of their tour, they were treated to live entertainment with some A-list star power. The headliner was Steven Page, lead singer of the Barenaked Ladies, who has been a supporter of Tour For Kids since it began four years ago. Page flew in from Europe this morning just to be at the event.
“It’s a wonderful organization,” he said before hitting the stage. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”
It would take a lot to outshine the talented and popular Page, but another band was up to the task. Thirteen-year-old Adam Fedosoff, lead guitarist for an AC/DC cover band called Tantrum, was indisputably the star of the night.
Tantrum and Fedosoff, who was diagnosed with leukemia in May, wowed the crowd with their three-song set that included the classic rocker, Highway To Hell. In an emotional display of unity, hundreds of audience members rushed to the front of the stage when the band played and clapped and cheered for Fedosoff.
Lorraine Fedosoff brushed tears away as she watched her son playing to a standing ovation from adoring fans.
“It’s been so hard for everyone, including Adam,” she says of the recent diagnosis. “This organization is so special to the kids.”
Fedosoff hasn’t been able to attend any of the camps this year because he’s still in the early treatment of cancer and had to endure a chemo treatment just this morning.
“To see him up there is so inspiring,” said his proud mom. “He wants to be a pediatric oncologist when he grows up.”
This year the Tour For Kids is hoping to raise $1 million for the fight against cancer.