By day, 麻豆社国产resident John Cameron is a mild-mannered pharmacy manager at Shoppers Drug Mart in the Chieftain Centre.
But when he's not helping customers with their prescriptions, Cameron is an avid cyclist who will ride with Team Diabetes in the RBC GranFondo Whistler on Saturday (Sept. 10).
Unlike many Team Diabetes members, Cameron has no personal connection to the disease but heard about the program through friends. He said he can relate to the spirit of the group, as they promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage Canadians of all fitness levels to take part in physical activity.
"I liked that it promoted an active lifestyle while it helps so many people," he said. "A healthy lifestyle makes such a difference with diabetes. It's not just about medication."
Cameron knows firsthand the struggles involved with diabetes, as he deals with many patients battling the disease.
"A growing segment of the population and a large percentage of our clientele are dealing with diabetes," he said, noting that a good diet and exercise can help people deal with the condition. "Simply find something active you like to do. It makes such a difference."
His drive to raise money to support the cause has been a smash success. Cameron has raised more than $1,200 for the Canadian Diabetes Association, well past the minimum requirement of $800, with a good percentage coming from his fellow pharmacists, colleagues at work and patients.
"My goal is simply to raise as much as I can," he said. "I feel good for the impact that this will bring."
Cameron, who has been an avid cyclist for more than 20 years, said a trip to Italy last year helped re-ignite his passion for road cycling. He spent a full week mountain biking and a full week road biking during his vacation up the Adriatic Coast and hopes to return in 2012 for more of the same.
Despite a lifelong love of the sport, Cameron said he's not planning on breaking any world records at the race.
"I'm in no danger of winning the ride," he said. "I just want to do it and be able to have fun. I split my time between mountain and road biking but my focus is not really on training. I still want it to be enjoyable and get the miles in."
Cameron will be one of 7,000 riders hitting the road, travelling from Vancouver to Whistler in the second annual event. Riders will cycle approximately 120 kilometres, with a total elevation gain of more than 6,000 feet. The route will see participants start in downtown Vancouver, head over the Lions Gate Bridge and then make their way through Howe Sound along the Sea to Sky Highway before completing the ride in Whistler.
For more information on the race, visit www.rbcgranfondowhistler.com.
