Student-led Triathlon raises $3,600 for Childhood Cancer Research
The 2nd annual Move for Mason Triathlon was hosted at the Toldo Lancer Centre on March 29th, raising $3,600 for children’s cancer research. Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIMOC) saw over 160 people, including volunteers, sponsors and participants, at the TLC on Sunday in support of the Fight Like Mason charity.
Formed by Iain Macri and Chantelle Bacon, the Fight Like Mason foundation, honours their son Mason who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a form of childhood cancer) at age two. For two years, he fought the disease like a superhero, beating cancer – just not in the way everyone had hoped.
Attending the event, Iain described Mason as an ‘old soul’. He was always smiling, had the best energy and a vocabulary that extended beyond his years. Like any small boy, he loved everything from trucks, to superheroes, to hot wheels and more.
A picture of Mason Bacon-Macri - the person the event is named after, provided by his parents.
Making a promise to Mason 10 years ago, Iain and Chantelle set out to advocate for more research in childhood cancer and offer a one-of-a-kind support system for families and kids going through a similar experience. “We really aim Fight Like Mason to try to help at every step of a kid's medical journey from before they even knew they were sick to going through treatment, being in remission, being in survivorship, and unfortunately even in bereavement,” stated Iain.
The Fight Like Mason organization has raised over $2.4 million dollars for childhood cancer research. The organization hosts over ten active programs supporting affected children and their families. These programs include but are not limited to Mason’s Power Poles, a unique, kid-friendly twist on IV poles which can be found in 15 hospitals across Ontario. Mason’s SuperBuddies is a program launched in 2018 in partnership with Essex-Windsor EMS, where superhero plush toys are stocked in trucks for comfort during situations children require paramedic services. With three signature events hosted by the foundation to raise awareness and funds, community groups like EIMOC help to extend the reach.
Mason’s parents Iain Macri and Chantelle Bacon - the founders of the Fight Like Mason Foundation
University of Windsor students as well as the surrounding community were invited to participate in the triathlon, back in February. This year saw great interest, with participants having to be turned away due to capacity limits, according to EIMOC President, Travis Woods. EIMOC aimed to make the event better this year, providing students with the opportunity to engage with the community in a meaningful way.
“It’s important to support those in in our community. And students have a good way of being able to do that,” Travis said, “I think it’s important that students are embedded in that so we can really bring these local charities and organizations to light for the rest of the community.”
The event allowed people to sign up as individuals, in a team of two or as a trio. Broken up into three separate heats, people competed against each other from 8am-12pm, ending the day with a sponsored lunch from Whamburg. Brandon Speller, took first place in individuals with a time of 39:19. Team Ricky Bobby, saw competitors Victoria and Jonah take first place in the doubles with a time of 45:56. Alesandro, Kayden and Kian with the team name Liam Reeves Fan Boys took first place in the trio with a time of 38:21.
For Mason’s parents getting to see his spirit live on through events like this is a humbling experience, “He doesn’t get to experience life anymore; as a parent you always want to see how your kids grow up and change the world and we don’t really get to see that physically with him,” expressed Iain, “All these people are running and sweating their butts off in his memory, and it’s very humbling as a parent and I feel proud of him every time I get to do this because without his spirit we wouldn’t be able to do something like this.”
The event’s impact extended beyond the Triathlon itself, raising funds and awareness for children’s cancer research while continuing Mason’s legacy. With the second year completed successfully, Travis and EIMOC hope to continue growing the Move 4 Mason Triathlon, making it bigger and more exciting for fans next year.