Tennis Nova Scotia’s Technical Director, Marijke Nel, age 54, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018. While in treatment, Nel trained and rode in her first race to prepare for the Corduroy Enduro in September 2019. Due to chemo interfering with her training, Nel did not feel ready to compete in Canada’s toughest off-road motorcycle race but was determined to get to the next one.
Shortly after completing chemo, her coach, Josh Kelly, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which further fueled Nel’s determination to participate in the Cancer races. The September 2020 race was cancelled due to Covid.
In January 2021, Nel started rigorous training to ride the Corduroy Enduro in September 2021. Cancer had other plans; just two weeks into training, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Nel underwent massive surgery the day after being diagnosed and started a 7-month gruelling chemotherapy treatment. Nel continued training whenever she was able during the treatment.
Despite still undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer Nel is determined to ride and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. She has trained for Canada’s toughest race by competing in three out of four local races in Nova Scotia. Her next race will be at Miller Meadow MX Park, near the airport on September 17 at 2:00 p.m.
With the support of her coach, Josh Kelly, Nel will race for cancer in the 2022 Corduroy Enduro on Sept 24- 25 in Gooderham, ON. She has continued her “Lift Cancer Fighters” campaign to raise additional funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Quotes:
“Having Josh at my side, not only as a coach, friend, and support rider for the Cord but a “chemo brother” because of his battle with cancer, makes it an incredibly symbolic journey for both of us.” – Marijke Nel
“I choose a challenge that would mirror the battle with cancer, which would test me mentally, physically and emotionally, so that I could build resilience to face the terror of treatment while being an encouragement to others.” – Marijke Nel
“Being a fellow cancer fighter with Marijke has brought out the best in me. I’m stronger than I was before. My spirit won’t be conquered. We will cross this finish line together with big smiles on our faces because there’s nothing we can’t tackle.” – Josh Kelly
Associated Links:
Marijke Nel’s Blog: LIFT CANCER FIGHTERS
Lift Cancer Fighters – Instagram
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Contact:
Marijke Nel
Technical Director
Tennis Nova Scotia
902-449-4233