An avid motorcyclist, jewelry retailer and philanthropist, Jason Bosa and friends Christina Tondora and Del Ferguson took a trip of a lifetime recently. They journeyed through all the provinces and American states in one continuous ride.
Having lost friends and family members to cancer, the trio dedicated their ride to raising awareness of cancer prevention through education and healthy lifestyle choices. Their idea set in motion the wheels to form The Answer for Cancer Society and Tour.
Two motorcycle riders, one naturopathic doctor and a small support team hit the road this summer. In between stops, the posse shared tips on how to mitigate the risk of cancer. Sixty-five days and 30,000 kilometres later, the group celebrated with friends and supporters at a gala fundraiser held at La Terraza. In total, Bosa and friends raised nearly $600,000.
Best part of the tour?
I loved just meeting people all along the way and seeing the hope and inspiration that grew within them as we shared information on our project. We all shared a lot of hugs, tears and laughs with people who were in our lives for only minutes, but what great memories those were.
Worst part of the tour?
The physical and mental exhaustion was tough. I wasn't as prepared for the endurance necessary for this ride and it was difficult to plan for. There were days and times when each of us had to take the roll of being the rock and making sure everyone else's spirits were up.
State you never want to see again?
Nebraska-the people are great, but the scenery is quite repetitive and boring.
City you most appreciated?
St. John's, Newfoundland. What a great city with genuine people. The history, culture and sincerity of the people were unmatched. Every Canadian would do well to visit St. John's and take a piece back with them.
One person you'd let side saddle?
My girlfriend Renata.
What did success look like?
We measured success by the number of people that we were able to inspire to make healthier life choices. If we could make people aware that changing a few things in their lives will significantly reduce their risk of cancer, then we were successful.
One thing you'd like to change about the world?
As people we need to do a better job of listening to each other, if we really listen properly, then we don't need to waste time and energy chasing misunderstandings.
What you hate most about the world?
Hypocrisy. We all want to be treated in certain ways but few are willing to offer the same treatment to others with no hesitation.
Three words to live by?
Do Unto Others.
Last book read?
Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David ServanSchreiber
Drink of choice?
I'm a beer drinker-lager or pilsner.
Favourite restaurant?
Les Faux Bourgeois-French food that is not Parisian.
Best thing about Vancouver?
A lot of healthy people and the surroundings to support active lifestyles.
Worst thing about Vancouver?
A lot of pretentious people who have no need to be.
Person of Interest is a new weekly column that spotlights success stories, local personalities and community heroes. If you know a Person of Interest, email Fred at [email protected].
