Cycling to Fight Childhood Cancer

Katie Woodward, a Haliburton County local, is cycling 600 km this August throughout Haliburton and the Kawartha Lakes as part of the Great Cycle Challenge to help raise money for SickKids Foundation’s fight against childhood cancer. 

This August, people from all across Canada are taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge, setting personal goals, raising funds, and spreading awareness about kids’ cancer. Throughout its 10 years of existence, the organization, with the help of all its riders, has raised over $61,092,246. This amount has helped fund research working to find a cure and develop treatments.  

2026 marks Woodward’s fifth year participating in the Great Cycle Challenge. While not a mother herself, she has a lot of empathy for those who’ve had loved ones get diagnosed with cancer. People close to her have been touched by cancer, including her husband, who has battled with skin cancer and still goes for yearly checkups and surgeries. When Woodward began participating in the Challenge and reaching out for donations, she came across many individuals with personal stories, which is how she met Leah, a girl from her County who was diagnosed just four days before Christmas, back in 2023. Leah is now nine years old and doing well! One of the moments that stands out most to Katie was when she met Leah and hugged her. She shared it was a heartfelt moment that filled her with hope, seeing the real-life impact of Sick Kids’ work.

Meeting donors, hearing their personal stories, and seeing their generosity is all motivation for Woodward as she takes on the Challenge year after year. Over her five years participating, she has ridden 2,928km and raised $46,589. 

Although the cause itself is her main motivator, Woodward also finds joy in cycling and enjoying the beautiful trails of the region. While she currently resides in Haliburton County, she often journeys from her home to Kawartha Lakes. Her biggest ride so far for the Great Cycle Challenge this August was from Haliburton to Fenelon Falls and back, a 134 km trek!

Taking a stop along Cameron Lake

Woodward is grateful to have access to all the trails in the area and expressed appreciation for the well-maintained Victoria Rail Trail, and even more appreciation for the great local food and beverage businesses that keep her energy up throughout her cycle journeys! Some of her favourites are The Little Tart and Dirty Soda Girls in Haliburton, Violet's Frozen Yogurt in Kinmount, and the food truck at Log Chateau Park in Fenelon Falls. 

Woodward shared that she always enjoys riding through Fenelon Falls. She loves going along Cameron Lake and taking in all the great views it offers. She also shared her enjoyment of the community, describing Fenelon Falls as an active and thriving town where she can always expect to see many other cyclists using the trails. 

This August, Woodward’s goal is to ride 600km for Leah and all children fighting cancer. She’s ridden 229.8 km so far and raised $11,864. If you would like to support Katie’s challenge to save little lives, you can donate at GreatCycleChallenge.ca/riders/katiewoodward. She is grateful to everyone who’s donated so far and emphasizes that any donation is impactful: “any dollar can be the one that finds the cure”. All money raised in the Great Cycle Challenge goes toward SickKids research in Canada. 

You can also follow the rest of Katie’s journey by visiting her social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.