At LiveWell Health and Physiotherapy, our team is not just dedicated to healing in the clinic—we’re committed to making a difference in our community. This year, one of our own, Trisha Wilkins, Registered Massage Therapist at LiveWell Baden, is taking her passion for health and turning it into action by participating in the 2025 Grand River Motorcycle Ride for Dad. Her goal: raise $1,000 in support of the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation.
A Ride with Purpose
This isn’t just another charity event for Trisha. This ride is deeply personal.
In 2012, Trisha lost her father to cancer. His diagnosis came swiftly, and his passing was just as fast. Watching someone you love fade away with little warning is something that leaves a permanent mark. It’s a loss that changed Trisha’s life and now motivates her to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Many of these men will not show symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular screenings and early detection are critical. With proper screening, treatment outcomes improve drastically, and lives can be saved.
Raising awareness is key—and that’s where the Ride for Dad comes in.
What is Ride for Dad?
We know the idea of “getting help” for your body might feel intimidating. But at LiveWell, we take a refreshingly human Ride for Dad isn’t just a one-day event. It’s a Canada-wide movement that combines community spirit, education, and fundraising into a single, impactful campaign. Since 2000, Ride for Dad events have raised more than $42 million across the country. These funds directly support prostate cancer research, education, and awareness in the communities where they’re raised—because as the organization says, “we give where we ride.”
The Grand River Ride for Dad is part of this national campaign. Riders collect pledges and donations to support research and public awareness programs in their local communities. The Ride for Dad campaign is particularly impactful because it combines education with action. Bikers serve as ambassadors of the cause—spreading the message that early detection saves lives. Prostate cancer can be a silent disease, but events like this make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Trisha’s Motivation and Mission
Trisha’s involvement in the Ride for Dad is not just about raising money—it’s about making a difference in how we talk about men’s health. Prostate cancer can be a difficult topic for men to address. There’s a stigma, often rooted in pride or fear, that prevents many men from getting the help they need. By speaking openly about her father’s experience and advocating for regular checkups, Trisha is working to break that silence.
“My hope is that by raising awareness and funds, we can help prevent other men—and fathers—from facing the same fate,” Trisha says. “I ride to honour my father’s memory and to help others take action before it’s too late.”
Trisha is also an avid motorcyclist, and Ride for Dad allows her to combine her personal passion with a greater purpose. She’s proud to be one of the many voices calling for change and encouraging men to prioritize their health.
How You Can Support Trisha
Trisha has set a fundraising goal of $1000, and we believe—with your support—she can not only meet that target but exceed it. Every dollar raised goes directly to prostate cancer research and support services.
Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Donate Online: Trisha’s fundraising page is active and accepting donations. It’s quick, easy, and tax-deductible. Click here to donate: https://ridefordad.akaraisin.com/ui/RFD2025/p/c2d15cbbaa544d5e9ab2ab5aa2a88464
2. Spread the Word: Share Trisha’s story on social media, in your workplace, or with family and friends. The more people who know about the cause, the more impact we can make.
3. Encourage the Men in Your Life to Get Checked: If there’s one message we want to share, it’s that early detection saves lives. Encourage your loved ones to talk to their healthcare providers about prostate cancer screening.
Why This Matters to Us at LiveWell
At LiveWell, we are proud to support causes that align with our values—health, compassion, and community. Our work as healthcare professionals goes beyond clinic walls. It’s about advocacy, education, and being active participants in the wellness journey of our community.
Trisha’s efforts are a reflection of what we stand for. Her dedication to helping others through massage therapy extends seamlessly into her advocacy for men’s health. It’s just another example of how our practitioners are making a difference—both in and out of the clinic.
What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer
To help put things into perspective, here are some key facts about prostate cancer:
– Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men.
– 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
– Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms.
– Regular screening (especially for men over 50, or over 45 with a family history) is crucial.
– Treatments are often very successful when the cancer is caught early.
The funds raised through the Ride for Dad go directly toward awareness campaigns and medical research—both of which are critical in improving outcomes.
About the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation (PCFF)
The PCFF is a registered Canadian charity that supports research and education programs to improve the lives of those affected by prostate cancer. Through partnerships like the Ride for Dad, the foundation ensures that all funds stay local, making a direct impact in the communities where the rides take place.
Their slogan, “We give where we ride,” underscores a commitment to grassroots action and regional support. The funds raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and the surrounding areas help men right here at home.
Join the Movement
The 2025 Grand River Motorcycle Ride for Dad will take place on June 7, 2025. The event will feature a morning parade ride, community celebration, and time to honour those who’ve battled prostate cancer.
Whether you ride, donate, or simply share this story, every action counts. Together, we can fuel awareness, drive change, and save lives. We’re cheering you on, Trisha!
Closing Thoughts from Trisha
“Losing my dad changed my life,” Trisha reflects. “But now I get to be part of something bigger—something that brings hope, education, and action. I ride because I care, and I ride so no child has to say goodbye to their dad too soon.”
We hope you’ll join us in supporting Trisha and the Grand River Ride for Dad. Together, we can save lives, raise awareness, and honour those we’ve lost by fighting for a better tomorrow.
Let’s ride for change. Let’s ride for Dad.
