VPD Sergeant Dayne Campbell is a husband, father of two, a long-time VPD member, and dedicated member of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer Program. In fact, in 2023 Dayne celebrated his 15th year participating in Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast, and in that time, he has cycled over 12,000 kilometers, personally raised over $140,000, worked with community connections to raise almost $700,000, and as a member of the Tour De Coast Team can proudly say they have raised over $5 million in support of pediatric cancer research and Camp Goodtimes.
Until recently, Dayne’s only connection to children’s cancer was limited to those he met through the Cops for Cancer program. But in late 2023, Dayne’s personal connection to pediatric cancer was dramatically and sadly changed forever, when his own teenage daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called myxoid liposarcoma.
“To say her diagnosis was a shock to us all was an understatement,” explains Dayne. “Since that day, her world has changed drastically. Instead of attending her 5+ hours of competitive gymnastics training every day, she has been a frequent visitor to Children’s Hospital, BC Cancer Agency, and many different medical offices.”
As a result, Dayne started working on an action plan that would help raise even more awareness and funds for pediatric cancer. Recognizing that he has a passion and skill for cycling, plus an existing relationship with Cops for Cancer, Dayne decided to embark on a cross-country, 7,000 km cycling tour to both raise awareness and raise money for children battling cancer. Dayne will leave on May 6, 2024 for an unsupported, solo, and self-funded cycling journey across Canada. His goal is to complete this cross-country tour in 60 days, even though it typically takes most riders three months.
“As a parent, there really isn’t much you can do other than hope that she gets the care she deserves, and that it all works out,” says Dayne. “However, one of the things that I know I can do is cycle and continue to promote this cause in the hopes that one day we don’t need to do this any longer.”
Dayne knows that this journey isn’t going to be easy, and he is prepared as he can be for both the physical and mental toll it will take on him. Dayne also knows it will be completely worth it.
“I anticipate the most challenging part of this upcoming ride will most likely be two things. First, the cycling day after day, for long distances, to try to complete it within that 45-60 day window. The other significant challenge will be the time away from my family, which will be very hard,” adds Dayne.
Dayne originally became involved with Cops for Cancer in 2009 when he heard about it through his VPD co-workers who were regular riders. He was inspired after learning how the program supports both pediatric cancer research and a summer camp for kids with cancer called Camp Goodtimes.
“I originally decided to apply to join the Cops for Cancer team to show solidarity for my mother and grandmother who both had gone through a journey with cancer. I continued signing up, year after year, developing friendships with some of the kids & their families who Cops for Cancer supported, and it just snowballed from there. I went from visiting their elementary schools to seeing some of them graduate high school and enter law school. There were many happy stories over the years but on the other hand there were some absolutely heartbreaking moments along the way though – which only motivated me more to continue.”
Today, Dayne’s daughter is five months into her cancer journey, including receiving six weeks of radiation treatment and undergoing two surgeries.
On behalf of Dayne, his daughter, and all those affected by cancer, we kindly ask that you consider supporting Dayne in his upcoming ride. Anyone can donate online by providing a straight donation or by pledging per kilometer. Every dollar will support the Canadian Cancer Society fund even more pediatric cancer research, and also send more kids living with cancer to Camp Goodtimes.
“As someone who has been a part of this program for 15 years, I can’t say enough about how important research is when it comes to this disease and children. The lifelong impacts that cancer, and its current treatments, has on children while they are in various stages of their developments is considerable. It’s much different than when a fully developed adult gets a cancer diagnosis.”
“Please consider donating so that the experts can continue to find new ways to help children battle this disease.”
Another goal of Dayne’s is to raise awareness of Cops for Cancer right across Canada in hopes that first responders in the eastern provinces will be inspired to start their own Cops For Cancer campaigns as well.
PLEASE DONATE TO COPS FOR CANCER & SUPPORT DAYNE’S SOLO RIDE HERE
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
