A Vancouver woman plans to cycle across British Columbia this September, raising funds and awareness for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Mireille Larosa first connected with the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in 2017 when her seven-month-old son, Charles, accessed pediatric palliative care.
The non-profit provided her family with in-hospice care and at-home medical care and offered invaluable bereavement support.
“I didn’t know of the existence of this hospice, and frankly, no one wants to know of the existence of this hospice — until you need it,” Larosa told CityNews.
“They would just do it all for us — and think of things, most importantly, that we would have never thought of. That’s what they were there for. When such a diagnosis falls, that your child has a terminally ill disease, well, there’s a lot to think about, but you want to focus on your child and the time you have with them, and they fill in all the blanks.”
After a difficult journey of grief, she’s now looking to give back in a big way.
Larosa will be cycling across British Columbia in a two-week ride, dubbed ‘Tour de Canuck Place,’ with the goal of raising $100,000 for the hospice while highlighting the vital services it provides to families.
“I want to give a legacy to Charles’ name,” said Larosa.
Her ride begins on Sept. 1 in Earls Cove. The plan is to cycle 150 kilometres every day, taking her across to Vancouver Island and towards Chilliwack before heading to the Interior and travelling to Merritt, meeting other Canuck Place families along the way.
“I know what they’ve been through. I know my version of what they’ve been through, and they’re not alone. I’m there with them, and I’m willing to go the distance. The same way that Canuck Place goes the distance, and meets families where they are, to provide them with the assistance they need.”
Funds raised will go directly towards supporting the organization that once supported Larosa and her own family. More information on how to donate can be found on the Canuck Place website.