The hardships and heartbreak of cancer are something no child should ever have to endure. It's always moving to see adults take action by raising money and awareness for childhood cancer as part of the annual Tour de Rock. But when a child steps up for others, the impact resonates even more deeply.
Twelve-year-old Adalyn Richens, who will be entering Grade 7 at Bench Elementary, is setting a benchmark for youth leadership and compassion.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Her father, Const. Wes Richens, rode in the 2023 Tour de Rock, raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer — an effort that made a lasting impression on Adalyn.
"I was really proud of my dad for raising money to help kids going through cancer treatment," said Adalyn. "This year I want to help too."
Tour de Rock riders raise funds to send children with cancer to Camp Goodtimes, where they can enjoy being kids in a safe, supportive setting. One of this year’s riders is Experience Cycling owner Will Arnold, whom Adalyn first met when her dad participated in the tour.
With a love for singing and a heart for giving, Adalyn created her own Tour de Rock fundraising page in Arnold’s name. Originally setting a goal of $1,000, she soon learned it costs $1,500 to send one child to camp—and raised her goal to $3,000 to support two.
"I decided to raise my goal to $3,000 to try to help two children going through childhood cancer experience this wonderful camp and spend some time just being kids," said Adalyn.
Adalyn’s determination is deeply rooted in her experience watching her father’s 2023 ride. That year, Wes Richens was met by his family at the parliament buildings in Victoria for the tour’s finale. After the official closing ceremony, a Tour de Rock alum invited the team to form a circle, where his teammate Katie planned to shave her head alongside her honorary rider and their siblings.
"Unknown to me, my eldest daughter Shayna had arranged with Steve, and Katie to also shave her head in support of what I had accomplished on tour," said Richens. "When Steve called the five people forward that were shaving their heads, I was totally shocked, and so proud of Shayna when she stepped forward."
Adalyn also wanted to shave her head that day, but her mother, Niki, felt that at 10 years old, she might not fully understand the commitment. Since then, Adalyn’s resolve hasn’t wavered.
Now at 12, she will be shaving her head at the Tour de Rock concert at Red Arrow Brewing in Duncan on Sept. 6, standing in solidarity with those currently living with, battling or affected by childhood cancer.
This all-ages community event in support of Cops for Cancer – Tour de Rock will feature entertainment, energy, and plenty of heart. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
"I've been thinking about it since my dad first brought up riding in Tour de Rock," said Adalyn. "I just got the chance now to do it, so I've decided I want to do it."
"Adalyn knows that Will and I have been friends for years, and when I told her that Will had been invited to ride this year as a Community rider she told Niki and I that she wanted to raise money and shave her head to show her support for kids battling Childhood Cancer," said Richens.
Wes and Niki Richens couldn’t be more proud of their daughter for staying committed to the cause and making the decision on her own to take part in such a powerful act of support.
Adalyn plans to contribute all the money she raises to Will Arnold’s Tour de Rock fundraising effort, which has already surpassed $2,100.
"I'm really happy to be doing this, and I am really excited for people to help send kids to Camp Goodtimes," said Adalyn. "I hope those who are taking part this year feel excited and inspired that they get to help this year."
To help Adalyn reach or exceed her $3,000 goal, visit support.cancer.ca
