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Chelsea and Giovanni will compete in the Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge on July 30.
Photo courtesy BC Cancer Foundation
Steveston couple takes on Cypress Challenge
Published 12:18 PDT, Fri July 21, 2023
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A couple from Steveston will be participating in the BC Cancer Foundation’s annual pancreatic fundraiser event. Chelsea and Giovanni Martorella will be participating in the annual Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge on July 30.
It all started in 2015, when Chelsea had experienced a pancreatic cancer scare. She had been experiencing stomach pain and decided to go to the doctors expecting it to be an ovarian issue she had experienced before. To her surprise the pain had been caused by a mass on her pancreas. With only a 10 per cent five-year survival rate, pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Fortunately, further testing showed that the mass was non-cancerous, but would still require parts of her pancreas and spleen to be removed.
“I honestly don’t want anyone to ever have to go through that diagnoses,” said Chelsea. Chelsea since then, has recovered from those surgeries, is healthy, and returned to being a mother of three.
From this experience, Giovanni wanted to give back to the foundation when he stumbled across the Cypress Challenge, the perfect way for him to combine his love for cycling with a cause he was passionate about. This year will be Giovanni’s fifth year participating in the challenge, and Chelsea’s first time participating.
“I have enjoyed cycling ever since I was a kid. I really enjoy the challenge of pushing myself physically and enjoy the camaraderie of riding with fellow cyclists. One of the best parts of cycling is that you can cover a lot of ground quickly, but you are able take in so much more of the world around you when you are on two wheels, as opposed to in a car,” said Giovanni.
“I have wanted to attempt the Cypress Challenge for a few years now but have not felt as though I had the fitness level required to take on such a climb. However, since joining Steveston Velo last year, I have been riding more frequently, increasing my endurance and fitness. When I found out that the ride this year is on my birthday (July 30) I thought that this was my sign to give it a go this year,” said Chelsea.
For individuals who are currently going through what the Martorellas are, the couple advises to remain grateful for all the little joy filled parts of your day and to live in the moment. “Even in the hard times, try to remain grateful for all the little joy filled parts of your day. Try to slow down and be present in every moment and focus on life’s happy surprises. Surround yourself with people you love, and cherish the time you get to spend with them. Most all, try to stay positive,” said Chelsea.
For more information and to support the Martorella’s in fundraising for a cause important to them, visit cypresschallenge.ca/participant/199/153/
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