Dream Ride 2023 receives great early response

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Participants of the 2023 Dream Ride event are able to register for either a challenging 50+ km bike route, 15 km bike ride, or a 15 km walk. The available routes will take bikers and walkers through the scenic Riding Mountain National Park. However, there are additional options for those who want to take part, but can’t attend in person. These individuals will have the opportunity to sign up virtually and create their own route.

This year, Dream Riders will be cycling and walking for two kids close to Neepawa– Kendall Walker, of Plumas, and Cain Burgess, of Minnedosa.

About Kendall

Three-year-old Kendall was diagnosed with an aggressive category of pediatric cancer last year, after the removal of a tumor located between her right eye and the bridge of her nose.

After this diagnosis, the Walker family relocated to Winnipeg for the duration of her 42-week high-dose chemotherapy treatment. Kendall also required radiation and was referred to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota. There, she received what’s known as Proton Beam Radiation, a reportedly safer option with significantly less long-term side effects.

Present-day, Kendall had her last high dosage chemo treatments in February, and is now undergoing a six month treatment of maintenance chemo. She is able to live at her home in Plumas full-time, only going to Winnipeg once per week.

Kendall’s Dream is to have her very own pool.

About Cain

Nine-year-old Cain was diagnosed with a high grade, aggressive osteosarcoma tumor on his right tibia bone, causing him to limp, back in 2021.

Cain began treatment immediately, undergoing 29 weeks of chemotherapy and a surgery to remove the tumor. That’s not all– the complex surgery also included the replacement of his entire tibia.

Can finished chemo during October of last year and is now in remission. He has had plenty of follow-up appointments and will continue to be monitored for the next few years. Cain will also eventually require additional leg surgery to limit the difference in his leg lengths.

Always an active kid, Cain loved biking, hiking and skiing. Using a wheelchair throughout his recover, Cain is passionate about finding new ways to do things. This includes learning how to use a sledge to skate, with Cain even playing on a hockey team in Brandon.

While Cain hasn’t quite decided on what his Dream is, the Dream Factory said, “We know that it’ll be something adventurous, creative and fun!”

Early response

According to the Forgues, there has already been a significant response for the 2023 Dream Ride.

“We have 29 participants to date, and hope to see more people register to take part in a fun and meaningful day,” said Marsha.

Gary added, “We’re planning other ways on how to be part of the fun day, for those who wish to support it but not register. Many details are in the works locally on how to support Cain and Kendall’s dreams.”

Additionally, everyone is welcomed to join Dream Ride for lunch and entertainment at the Sportsman Park patio to celebrate with everyone involved. Further developments can be watched for by following Dream Ride 2023 on social media, or the event page on their website.

“We can’t wait to make Dreams come true again this year,” said Marsha. “And we hope you will join us in bringing these Dreams to life!”