The human spirit is a powerful thing and no one knew that more than Joe Finley.
In 2006, Joe completed a life-long dream — his first sprint triathlon just six months — after undergoing a highly invasive radiation and chemotherapy regimen for head and neck cancer.
Despite the challenges Joe faced he wanted to do more and decided to create a community event in Muskoka, called Joe’s Team. The event’s sole purpose is to raise money for cancer research at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
“Joe’s Team is a sprint triathlon, duathlon,” Joe’s wife, Cara Finley says. “It’s a very non-competitive fun event.”
Joe passed away in October 2010, a man remembered not as an average Joe, but as one who’s done extraordinary things.
Even after Joe’s passing, Cara continued the mission of Joe’s Team.
“I knew that it was important for him, for the event to continue,” she said. “And I promised him that I would continue it.”
The event has raised more than $11 million net, allowing a research centre of excellence to be established at Princess Margaret in Joe’s name.
“$11 million has turbo charged this research,” says Clayton Atto, campaign director at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
“It went from a team of two people to now over 82 big-brained scientists working everyday to look for head and neck cancer cures.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary and final year of Joe’s Team, an event that has become one of Canada’s most successful grassroots fundraisers.
The event will take place on July 9 at the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre in Muskoka, Ont.
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