DAY 3: ANNE FERKO
 My husband Dan and I have been avid supporters and participants of the Geart 24 Hour Spin for the past 7 years. It has and continues to be an eagerly anticipated annual event for our family, friends, colleagues and community. Collectively, we spin for 24 hours in an incredibly supercharged and unbelievably inspirational environment all with the goal of raising money for an exceptionally worthy cause.
We were very happy when Ira Kargel-Kennedy and Kevin Wallace, our friends, Gears co-owner and 24 Hour Spin organizers committed to donating all monies raised at their annual community fundraising even to the Trillium Health Centre. The importance of this commitment was underscored when we found out the money was specifically being allocated to help finance the building of a much needed and local community based state-of-the-art Women's Health Centre focused on the preventioin and early detection of breast cancer.
Little did we know just how important it would eventually become to our family!
At ceremonies in September 2004, Dand and I watched with tears in our eyes as the Betty Wallace Women's health Centre, named in honour of Kevin's mom Betty, herself a victim of breast cancer, was officially opened. Following the ceremony, we toured the centre, which exuded a tangible feeling of calm and serenity. The beautiful spa-like design was unlike any clinical setting we had ever seen. With an abundance of natural light and wood, it was difficult to believe that this was indeed a facility that focused on mammography and bone density.
In March 2005, mere weeks after the completion of the 2005 24 Hour Spin, I had my annual physical and decided to have a mommogram and bone density at the new Betty Wallace Women's Health Centre. I was easily able to make both appointments. My visit, now was a patient, was very positive. I felt comfortable and well cared for by all the staff. What a welcome change from so many medical facilities that can be cold and intimidating.
Several days following my appointment, I received a call that so many of us subconsciously live in fear of. My mammogram was abnormal. I needed to return for a second mammogram as well as a breast ultrasound. I promptly made an appointment and returned. Understandably apprehensive and ancious, the staff and atmosphere at the Betty Wallace Centre were so calm and reassuring, that I was actually able to relax during my return appointment.
Mere days later, I received another call confirming that my second mammogram and ultrasound were abnormal. I was booked to see a surgeon. On march 30, 2005, I had surgery and a very small, early cancerous tumour was removed. Our surgeon clearly indicated that although it was cancer, our probability of a positive outcome was greatly increased by the fact that the tumour had indeed been detected so early.
Suddenly I had gone from a spinner and a supporter of the 24 Hour Spin, to a patient receiving prompt and efficient medical care from the very centre that Dan and I had been fundraising for over the past 6 years!! We now have a very personal understanding of the importance of early detection with breast cancer as well as the importance of raising the balance of the money required to complete this wonderful activity.
I am very happy to report that I have since completed radiation, and am in excellent health, spinning at Gears regularly and have started thinking ahead to the nex 24 Hour Spin.
Anne Ferko
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Post Race Reports/Articles
Read post race articles from Oliver Moore of the Globe and Mail, Danny Chew of RaceAcrossAmerica.org, and Race Crew commentary. Read More.
A Note From Kevin on Day 6
I must say I am both humbled and appreciative of each of your comments. They mean so much to me providing much needed energy to myself and my team. Read More.
Dedications
As the endless miles attack Kevin's legs and soul, he'll draw strength from
thoughts of these eight courageous women. Read More.
Kevin's Message
I would like to thank my friends that are not on my crew during the race but have been part of the crew in preparation. Read More.
The Quest
Team Race makes it official. Our intent is to break the Mens SOLO RAAM record. Read More.
Kevin's Gear List
I am packing some last minute items on the eve of flying out to start line and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Read More.
Kevin's Reflection from RAAM 2004
To compete in Race Across America (RAAM) was a dream come true. Read More.
The World's Toughest Race
Still the numbers are provocative and set ones mind to churning, and when the churning is done and the initial disbelief lingers. Read More.
RAAM DNF - The Noble Defeat
Today we will explore some of the DNF Dragons that have seduced, cajoled, and downright wrestled past RAAM riders to give up. Read More.
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