In August 2020, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cecilia was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

“When I found out that Team Revolution supports Humber River Hospital Foundation I thought it was so cool that I get to cycle with a great team while also supporting a Hospital where I received great care.” says Cecilia, pictured here with Dario in Italy.

“Over the course of three months, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I underwent four rounds of aggressive chemotherapy,” says Cecilia. “I was being treated downtown, but I was told if I ever got a fever after my treatment to go to the ER – and Humber River Hospital was our closest one.”

That was how twice over the course of her treatment Cecilia ended up in Humber River Hospital’s Apotex Emergency Department and was admitted as an inpatient.

“It was my first experience with Humber River Hospital and it was really positive,” says Cecilia. “I loved the people who took care of me, I had my own single patient room, and as someone who works in tech I was really impressed with the technology.”

After her treatment ended and she started to regain her strength, Cecilia quickly got back to one of her favourite pastimes – her Peloton.

“When the weather improved my husband Dario and I started cycling more outdoors,” says Cecilia. “We loved it so much we decided that we should start looking for a cycling club.”

Team Revolution 2021

Cecilia asked her longtime friend Frank Ciccolini Jr. if he knew of any cycling groups they could join, and Frank, who co-founded Team Revolution ten years ago in support of Humber River Hospital Foundation, sent her the link to sign up.

“Dario and I immediately loved being part of Team Revolution. In addition to our three-hour weekly rides, we also travelled with Team Rev to Gatineau and Vineland,” says Cecilia. “When I found out that Team Revolution supports Humber River Hospital Foundation I thought it was so cool that I get to cycle with a great team while also supporting a Hospital where I received great care.”

It was Frank’s brother-in-law Brian Keleman, who has been riding with Team Revolution since 2012, that convinced Cecilia and Dario to join the Team in 2022 in Italy for the Granfondo Del Gallo Nero.

Cecilia and Dario realized that it would be a really meaningful personal goal given what she had gone through. They would raise over $10,000 for Humber River Hospital and complete the grueling Granfondo Del Gallo Nero including a 80 km route with over a 1,300 ft climb.

Italy – The Granfondo Del Gallo Nero

“I experienced so many emotions during the Granfondo,” says Cecilia. “I felt great, I felt thankful, and I felt humbled. During chemotherapy I didn’t cry once, but when I finished the Granfondo it all hit me.”

Cecilia and Dario arrived in Italy early to visit family. They took their bikes to their family’s town south of Rome and found their legs among the mountains.

“The altitude and the climbs were my first success,” says Cecilia. “I honestly didn’t think I could do it, but afterwards I knew I could do the Granfondo. I felt like anything was possible.”

When Team Revolution arrived in Tuscany, Cecilia and Dario joined them for pre-rides and group trips across the area. Then the day they had been training for arrived.

“I experienced so many emotions during the Granfondo,” says Cecilia. “I felt great, I felt thankful, and I felt humbled. I think I was the last one in, and when I finished I cried. During chemotherapy I didn’t cry once, but when I finished the Granfondo it all hit me.”

Cecilia and Dario are already thinking of their next cycling adventure.

“I’d love to do Spain and Portugal – and I would definitely join Team Revolution for another Italy trip!” says Cecilia. “This has been a wonderful experience and I feel really fortunate that we can give back to Humber River Hospital.”

This year, Cecilia and her teammates have raised over $425,000 for Humber River Hospital Foundation, Mackenzie Health, and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre!

Team Revolution in their 10 year anniversary kits in Italy, 2022.