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Resident riding in memory of beloved parents by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 13 | Thursday, March 13, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com An Oakville man is getting ready to ride his bike 200 kilometres in two days as part of the 2014 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. Harshal Dalal, 39, will make the journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls June 7-8 in memory of his parents Jayprakash and Asha who both lost their lives to the disease. The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is an annual fundraiser, the proceeds of which benefit the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Since 2008, the ride has raised more than $99.3 million in Toronto alone for cancer research. "Cancer, unfortunately, impacts so many of us, I am no different. My father passed away from cancer just before I turned 21 and my mother passed away just before my first daughter was born," said Dalal. "I have always wanted to do something for cancer in memory of my parents as well as for people who have to struggle and face this terrible disease." The married father of two, who works as a senior manager with the Deloitte professional services firm, said as an only child he was close to both his parents. He described his father as a hard-working businessman, but also as someone who was very loving, caring and selfless. Jayprakash died of esophageal cancer in 1995 at the age of 49. Dalal said his mother, who died of breast cancer in 2004 at the age of 56, played a very strong role in shaping his thoughts and values. "She didn't go to work. She could have, but she wanted to invest all her time and effort in nurturing me and ensuring I had the right kind of foundation to succeed in the future," he said. "Both of them set boundaries for me, but Audiology and Hearing Aid Centre Find out what your Neighbors already know! 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Dalal said he learned of the Ride to Conquer Cancer through his work -- which has been a long-time supporter of the event -- and decided it would be a good way to honour his parents. In preparation for the ride, Dalal has quit smoking stating it didn't make sense for him to be participating in an anti-cancer event before kicking the habit. He said he has been smoke-free since April 2013. The recent cycling enthusiast has also been training since November 2013 to ensure he can make it through the two-day bike ride. While the winter weather has presented some challenges to outdoor cycling practice, Dalal said he endures the freezing cold when clear roads permit. In addition, he has been attending indoor cycling classes. To date, Dalal said, he can bike for about 30 kilometres and is looking forward to more outdoor training when the weather improves. "It's addictive, actually," he said. "I just wait for an opportunity to get out there." Dalal has had no shortage of support for his upcoming ride. He reached his fundraising goal of $2,500 in just 40 days after sharing his reasons for participating with his colleagues at Deloitte. His daughter Naysa, 8, made purple and pink bracelets for anyone who donated. The colours were not random choices. They honour the memory of her grandparents with pink being associated with breast cancer and purple (periwinkle) with esophageal cancer. Dalal's wife, Padmini, also created customized `thank you' cards for his supporters. "I'm very proud he is doing this and very excited about it," she said. Despite not having completed a ride of this Harshal Dalal will participate in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer cycling event (June 7-8) in memory of his parents Jayprakash and Asha (in photographs). He is supported by his family including, from left to right, his daughters Naima, 6, and Naysa, 8, and his wife Padmini. | photo by David Lea ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or www.facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) magnitude before, Dalal said he is looking forward to the fundraiser, stating it is probably just the beginning of his cycling endeavours now that he has a taste for the activity. "This is not a race. It's not that I need to be there first," said Dalal. "At the same time, I know I will finish it." Dalal is continuing to accept donations for the ride at www.conquercancer.ca/goto/ harshaldalal. Anyone interested in registering for the 2014 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer can visit www.conquercancer.ca or call 1-877699-2453. DR.A. QADERI HAS JOINED OUR CLINIC WE ARE OPEN NOW: MONDAY - SATURDAY Weekdays 9-5 and Sat. 9-3 TWO FEMALE FAMILY DOCTORS Reasonable Waiting Time. 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