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The donors: Dana Kaluzny and family
The gift: Raising $20,000 and climbing
The Reason: To fund cancer research at Toronto's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
When Dana Kaluzny was eight years old, she lost her father to brain cancer. As she grew older, got married and started a family of her own, Ms. Kaluzny began raising money for cancer research by becoming a regular participant in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
At first she rode for her father and grandmother, who had died of cancer as well. Then a few years ago, she began riding for another family member: her cousin Sonja, who is now six years old and has been battling brain cancer for three years. Sonja has gone through brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
"It's been a long and hard journey for everybody," Ms. Kaluzny said from her home in Toronto.
This year, Ms. Kaluzny participated in the ride for the seventh time and was joined by several family members, including her mother, sister, stepfather and Sonja's mother. Team Sonja raised $21,000 and Ms. Kaluzny has raised $20,000 on her own since she first joined the ride.
When asked if she and the group will do it again next year, Ms. Kaluzny replied: "We've already signed up."
pwaldie@globeandmail.com
Paul Waldie