The Legacy of Trailblazer For Cancer

They say timing is everything, which has proven to be undoubtedly true for friends Cory Bell and Chris Nolan and their shared interest in wanting to make a difference for others.

After meeting at a charitable event in 2014 and discovering they had mutual friends in common, Cory and Chris decided to meet up shortly afterwards to discuss creating a grassroots event that wasn’t a race or a ride, a walk or a run. Instead, they wanted to start something that was—at its core—a non-competitive fun family event for all ages and physical abilities to raise funds for a cause close to both of their hearts.

That grassroots event idea would become Trailblazer For Cancer—an event for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and physical abilities to raise funds for cancer research.

Sadly, Cory and Chris have both lost a sister far too young to cancer, and it’s where they found inspiration to do something meaningful to support others impacted by cancer as they and their families have been. 

“My sister, Sheelagh, and my brother-in-law, Danny, both had a big influence on my life, and they instilled a culture of giving back to the community,” shares Chris. “That’s why I wanted to get involved. That was the biggest reason right there.”

From the beginning, Cory and Chris wanted to make a big impact, but it was also important for them to support research that was happening locally.  

“When PROFYLE (PRecision Oncology For Young PeopLE) was introduced to us by the IWK, it checked a lot of boxes that we discussed as being important to us as individuals,” says Cory. “It’s also funding an area of cancer research that gives new hope to children with cancer and their families who had no hope.”

Since 2014, Trailblazer For Cancer has raised $1.2 million dollars for cancer research, an outstanding achievement that Cory and Chris don’t take for granted.

“We’re in a fortunate position to be able to organize an event with our best friends and our family members, so you know we consider ourselves very lucky,” says Chris. “At the end of the day, they’re such a big part of it, and the event wouldn’t happen without them,” adds Cory.

Although Trailblazer For Cancer is nearing its 10th anniversary, Cory and Chris remain focused on the present and making this year’s event the best one yet. “I feel good about what we’ve created,” says Cory. “If it continues for another 20 years, I’ll feel equally happy.”

To learn more about PROFYLE and how it’s giving new hope to children and young adults with hard-to-treat cancers, visit the About PROFYLE page.