Cayse Ruiter tackles cross-Canada trek to encourage organ donation
The journey is inspired by Ruiter’s friend, Matthew Antolin, who died on Dec. 16, 2012 while awaiting a heart transplant.
“Matthew was one of four boys in his family and he lost his youngest brother to the same (condition) Matthew had,” Ruiter said, in an interview prior to setting out on his trek.
“It weakened his heart. He was fighting it for over 15 years and unfortunately he passed away while he was still waiting for a transplant.”
“I was only able to cover about 110 to 120 kilometres yesterday but I did manage to cross the border into Manitoba,” he posted on his blog early on Friday, June 21.
That pushed his total kilometres, thus far, to 2,270. He set out back on June 3 from Tofino, British Columbia and expects to pedal 8,000 kilometres before reaching St. John’s, Newfoundland.
“I started the day hoping to make my way to Brandon, Manitoba today,” he posted on his blog. “It was my goal yesterday too but the winds have made my ride more difficult.
“Last night’s weather wasn’t the greatest. I was able to find some cover and set up my tent and was happy to have a break from the winds after a long day on the bike. It poured rain last night and the wind shook my tent. But after a long day of riding I found the weather didn’t affect my sleep too much.”
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