Throughout May, Central Albertans cycled to support children and youth with neurological developmental and medical conditions.   

Four teams and 45 total participants raised nearly $4,000, for the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation’s Cycle for Central Alberta.  

Manon Therriault, the foundation's chief executive officer, has been involved since 2021 when she first cycled for more than 13 hours straight to climb the virtual equivalent of Mount Everest.  

“It's been wonderful meeting new people who are interested in supporting us,” said Therriault. “It just keeps growing and growing year over year. It’s really great to be able to push ourselves and each other to reach our fitness goals while also supporting healthcare needs here in the Central Zone.”  

Therriault was also a friend of avid cyclist and pediatric physiotherapist for Alberta Health Services (AHS) Children's Rehabilitation Services in Red Deer, Heather Lawrence.  

“We were both really passionate about cycling, and we had a connection through AHS, so we became very close,” she said.  

Through the friendship, Therriault learned the needs of rehab services, and how the foundation could support patients and their families.  

Tragically, Lawrence was the victim of a hit-and-run in 2022. Cycle for Central Alberta is now held in her memory with funds raised being allocated to purchase equipment for children's rehabilitation services.  

A former colleague and friend of Lawrence, Lori Anne Zabel has participated in the fundraiser for two years. This year, Zabel and her colleagues formed a team and cycled on stationary bikes, raising more than $1,500.  

“Heather was truly passionate about supporting families,” said Zabel. “She was super creative in coming up with ideas for little people riding their bikes and helping make that a reality, and just the fact that she was so absolutely passionate about cycling herself really made me want to get on a bike.”  

 

 

**With information provided by AHS.