People affected by cancer, whether directly or indirectly, can and most likely will experience a tremendous amount of grief. The disease, which comes in many types and forms, is known to drain the body for energy, destroy lives and at times be fatal. Currently, no cure has been made available to the public and the struggle begins in the early stages of diagnosis, as the light at the end of the tunnel appears to be faint.
Rob Dyer has lost close friends and family members to the disease. Not only did Rob lose a friend to stomach cancer, but his grandmother also suffered from stomach cancer, while his mother had a fatal form of brain cancer. Rob knew that he wanted to join in the battle against the disease, so he did what he loved to do – he began to skate to mark his contribution.
Rob’s Story
His motivation did not surface as a result of losing his close relatives and friends. At the tender early age of 15, Rob developed his initial plan of contribution what he could in the battle against cancer. His ideas were not supported by friends and peers. Rather, they found it rather comedic when he attempted to present his ideas for funding.
Despite the uphill battle, Rob began a serious re-evaluation of his original dream two years later. Looking up to his inspirations, such as Terry Fox and his own mother Wendy, who was an active fighter herself at the time, he found a solid support system in new friends and networks. After gaining a support group of volunteers, the fundraising began to sponsor the 8000km skating trip.
In March 2004, Rob and his team of volunteers met in Los Angeles, ready to begin their route from the Southern States of Georgia. However, the trip did not go smoothly, as Rob had obstacles of his own. A stress fracture in his ankle presented itself, resulting in a visit to the doctor’s office. Despite the doctor’s advice to stop skating to avoid the risk of further complications, Rob continued to skate without the suggested cast, relying on pain medications and a newfound determination and motivation.
Motivation Pays Off
The five-month long trip suffered more emotional obstacles. One of the major sponsors was suddenly unable to continue in the tour and withdrew its support. Due to this, their school bus, which had been their home and base throughout the tour, was recalled. But Rob would not give up. He proceeded to skate by himself to New Orleans.
The following three days, Rob skated alone nearly all day. He was frequently bumped or directly hit by passing cards. He spent his nights where he could. One night his friends met him. Another night was spent alone in a motel room. When the funds ran out, Rob slept outdoors in a ditch, followed by a night on a bench across from a local police station. Despite the obstacles and uphill battles that affected his already exhausted mindset, Rob did not give up. He wanted to finish what he had started – his dream.
In July of 2004, Rob completed his tour by skating to Newmarket, Ontario. Although he was physically and emotionally exhausted, he had proven his non-believers wrong. Skating to promote cancer awareness had been proven possible and by completing his 8000km trip, Rob had proved that any dream can come true.
In the following year, Rob organized his first concert event with headliner Dallas Green of City and Colour. The event took place at Toronto’s MOD Club Theatre and the sold-out event was a major success, raising $9000 for the Princess Margaret Hospital. Since this successful day, Rob had continued to promote his cause “Skate4Cancer”, which has become recognized by young cancer patients and survivors nationwide. As Rob proudly states, “if people wish to donate to the cause, we will continue to skate. If people have yet to hear our cause, we will continue to tour. We do this out of love”.
To learn more about Rob’s cause, please read the article Skate4Cancer – Rob Dyer’s Cause.
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