Airdrie residents invited to take part in fundraiser for dad with cancer

An Airdrie couple is struggling with how to support its family while father, Christian Lord, undergoes cancer treatment.

However, that struggle has become a little less insurmountable thanks to friends that have come together to organize a spin fundrasier for the family of four at Genesis Place, Oct. 14.

Linda Bruce, organizer of the event and chair of the Airdrie Triathlon Club, met Jessica Girard, and consequently her husband Lord, about a year ago through the club.

“She’s a very good friend of mine,” she said of Girard. “Knowing that Christian has no income means the family has no income.”

Bruce hopes Airdronians will come out, get some exercise and support the family.

“As much as our healthcare covers healthcare costs, it’s amazing all the small costs that go with being at a hospital – parking, food – there’s so many little things that creep up. The costs can be astronomical,” Bruce said.

Lord, a self-employed millwright contractor, is the sole breadwinner for the family that includes Girard and their two children, four-year-old Jacob and two-year-old Mia. He was diagnosed with tongue cancer in August at the age of 37. The disease has since spread to his lymph nodes and he underwent surgery on Sept. 24 and awaits new on whether he needs chemotherapy.

“It would help us because Christian is the main (source of) income and it would be a big stress relief if we didn’t have to think about him going back to work,” said Girard, wife of self-employed, millwright contractor, Lord.

“We feel positive with all the love around us,” Girard said. “We feel very blessed, very loved and supported.”

Teams of five can register to participate in the event for $250 per team. Each member of the team will ride a stationary spin bicycle for one hour each, spanning across five hours. There will also be a silent auction. All proceeds will go to Girard and Lord.

“If he gets back on his feet quickly, the money we don’t use will be donated back to a family in a similar situation,” Girard said. “There’s a lot of families in Airdrie that are in the same boat, a lot of people can relate.”

Bruce said the event is also a chance for residents to get a good workout and possibly try something new.

“This isn’t about people who are experienced spinners,” she said. “If anybody hasn’t done it it’s going to be a great opportunity to come out and learn another way to tackle your personal fitness.

“You can come in and spin your little heart out so somebody else can get some help during a trying time.”

Bruce said some spin bicycles will be provided, but she encourages participants to bring their own equipment. She said availability can be discussed during registration. To register, donate to the cause or become a sponsor, email airdrie.spinathonbenefit@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.airdriespinathonbenefit.eventbrite.ca