The 2007 Journey from Manila to Davao: DAY 12: Bike Around Cagayan De Oro City

Statistics:

Distance covered: 20 km

Total Time Spent: 1.5 hours

Total Riding Time: 1.5 hours

# of Intentional Rest Stops: 0

# of Unintentional Rest Stops: 0

# of Core Riders: 4
# of Tatay Bikers: 7

Start Time: 7 am
End Time: 8:30 am

Highlights:

The B4L team biked around the city of CDO today with some local bikers. There were only 6 local bikers who joined us due to some rainshowers in the city. It was another day of leisure riding. We all tried to enjoy the last easy ride for this tour. The next three legs are said to be the most difficult. May anxiety attacks na ata kaming lahat. We are all VERY apprehensive about these next legs. Bahala na... Fight na lang!

The biking ended at the City Government's office where Mayor Jaraula honored us with his presence. After much introduction and welcoming remarks, the mayor excused himself for awhile and returned with a check for the foundation! It was such a pleasant surprise! He further discussed on cancer and the importance of prevention. The key to prevention is healthy living and he commended the group for promoting cycling and spreading the awareness about this disease.

The team then headed to the 2pm cancer forum at the training hall of the Civil Service Commission Office. The forum's targeted audience are college students from different universities in CDO. Mr. Nordy Pagdikawan, a tricycle driver and one of the tatay bikers based in Mindoro Occidental, shared his 1-year old child's battle against leukemia. Mr. Rowell Arroyo, the 21-year old father and youngest among the tatay bikers, also shared his 2-year old's struggle against leukemia. He also took the opportunity to thank CWF and the Sarman Group.

Mr. Ben Boiser, a teacher from Xavier University and a health advocate based in CDO, shared his knowledge on the preventive strategy against cancer. He touched on education/awareness of the disease, correct eating habits, and engagement on physical activities such as cycling. Dr. Chichi Abellanosa, an ultramarathoner and our local coordinator, shared the importance of clean organic food and the benefits of tanglad tea as a preventive drink against cancer. Ms. Nebrea also took the stage and shared her current fight against breast cancer and her advocacy on helping locals who are afflicted with it as well.

Mr. Eric Reyes, one of the core riders who suffered from 3 separate bouts of cancer (stomach, kidney and colon), ended the forum with the following message: "With cancer, there has to be hope. With cancer, there has to be something to look forward to beyond the pains and treatment. Only then you will have the will to fight the disease and have a new perspective on life." INDEED.

The Bike For Life team then headed to the Limketkai main office to receive a donation from the Limketkai family. It was again one of those surprise donations that makes our day. Maraming Salamat po!

The People who made this twelfty day a Success:

The Cancer Warriors Foundation would like to thank the following people from CDO: