The Whimsical World of Two Aficionados

A couple nights ago, I was supposed to be finishing up my last paper of the semester but was really lacking in the motivation department to do so.  Taking a quick break, I remembered that I had been meaning to watch the Skate 4 Cancer short documentary.  Knowing that S4C’s videos often manage to motivate me to complete tasks at hand, I set aside 20 minutes to watch the doc (I’ve linked it above, you should watch it too).  The documentary chronicles what Skate 4 Cancer is all about from an insider’s view; from the view of those who’ve been part of the organization from the start.  It provides an insight into how the organization began and where it has gone since then; all their feats and tribulations along the way.  Upon finishing the documentary I had a small, yet impactful revelation.  I realized that S4C isn’t just an organization that I believe in but it also plays quite an important role in my life. I can honestly say it’s definitely a factor as to why I’ve decided to pursue sociology in my post-secondary studies.  I’ve realized that it is possible to make a difference just by reaching out to one person at a time.  I’d really like to make a difference one day, whether it is on the small scale or partaking in larger movements.  Nevertheless, I can’t stress enough what an influence and inspiration Rob Dyer and his organization has been to me. 

Skate 4 Cancer started 8 years ago with a simple idea following some tragic incidents; this idea has developed into a movement among youth today.  They’re goal is to educate the younger generation of today about cancer and how it may be prevented.  Such means of education are in the hopes of fighting this disease for future generations and pushing passed its effects on our daily lives.  In 2009, it was estimated that 40% of Canadian women and 45% of men will develop cancer in their lifetime (Canadian Cancer Society, 2011). With such alarming statistics and the impact the disease has on our lives today, it is important to be educated; to be involved with the fight against it.  By incorporating a common interest, such as music, Skate4Cancer has been able to reach out to one of the most important demographics in society today, our future successors.   

As its name may imply, the organization began based on an idea Rob Dyer had. He decided he would skateboard from L.A. to his hometown of Newmarket, ON (btw that’s my hometown too :D).  Although he considers his initial skate to be less than spectacular, Rob’s determination, drive and perseverance has escalated to two  more skates, one across Canada and most recently Australia/New Zealand (the latter was forced to end short due to injury), as well as another set to begin this month in France.  While the organization continues to educate via various events such as concerts, festivals and school tours, over the last year or so, S4C has focused on establishing a physical space for the organization deemed The Dream.Love.Cure Centre. It will be a place where people will be able to drop by and get support or learn about the disease.  Whether you’ve been affected by cancer, are being affected by cancer or just want to know about cancer, the centre is aimed to be that open door that you can turn to.  The organization is currently fundraising to make the centre a reality.  If you’d like to support the cause, please donate or buy some merch (100% of the proceeds go towards the cause).

Recently, S4C launched their new website promoting The Dream.Love.Cure Centre.  Here, you can explore and discover what the organization/centre is all about, where it’s headed and perhaps even become a new member of the S4C community.  I strongly hope you visit the site and support this organization (the link is below).  I’m a strong believer in this cause.

The websites:   www.dreamlovecure.org   
                            www.skate4cancer.com

Dream.Love.Cure ♥

-B.