When Wilson Torres joins the 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, every push on the pedals will be for his courageous wife Samantha.
Mrs Torres, 33, has already beaten breast cancer once, but is now facing the fight of her life after the disease was found to have returned earlier this year.
The cancer has now spread to her brain, lungs, spine and lymph nodes.
Together with the couple’s five-year-old son Evan, Ms Torres will be cheering on her husband alongside 5,000 other cyclists in the fund-raising ride on Sunday October 13.
All proceeds from the event will support cancer research, equipment and services at Mater hospitals throughout Queensland.
Mr Torres, 45, said Evan was just five months old when his wife was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer – turning their lives upside.
Mrs Torres was determined to beat the disease and, after months of gruelling surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, was told by doctors she was cancer-free in 2019.
But in a cruel twist, earlier this year the Hamilton couple received the “shock” news Samatha’s cancer had returned and spread across her body.
Mr Torres said his wife underwent localised brain radiation treatment and resumed chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
“Watching Samantha go through battle after battle is so hard,” he said.
“Recently, we were told she will need lifelong weekly chemotherapy.”
Although Evan knows his mum is sick, he is unaware just how much of a battle she faces, said Mr Torres.
“We’ve always tried to make sure Evan has as normal a childhood as possible, and part of that is educating his friends at school that the side effects, like hair loss, are part of his mum’s treatment,” he said.
“Samantha volunteers in various capacities at Evan’s school, along with another mum going through chemotherapy.
“They leave their heads bare when volunteering, and over time the kids have been able to ask questions and they’ve become part of the fabric of the school community.”
Although learning his wife’s cancer had returned was devastating news, Mr Torres said, the support from their community had helped strengthen the family’s resolve to fight back.
“Every year since Samantha’s initial breast-cancer diagnosis, I have taken part in the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer and this year we will carry on that tradition with a vengeance,” he said.
“We know that every dollar raised supports critical research that could one day lead to a cure, sparing others from the heartache we have endured.
“In fact, Samantha might not be with us today without advances in cancer treatment thanks to Mater Research and clinical trials conducted over the last five years.
“Our team, BRIS-COL has raised $1648 so far thanks to all of the wonderful people we have in our corner.
“Our target is $2500 and with seven weeks to go, we reckon we’ll get there.”
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas said he applauded the 5000 cyclists who will conquer the 100km course from South Brisbane to the Gold Coast’s Broadwater on 13 October.
“Thousands of riders will come together as part of this iconic Queensland event to help fund life-saving cancer research and services at Mater,” Mr Thomas said.
“Former Olympic cyclists will take part alongside amateur riders, cancer survivors and cancer researchers – all united on a mission to fight cancer.”
The event, held in partnership with Bicycle Queensland, gives riders the unique opportunity to cycle along the traffic-free South East Busway during the first stage of their journey to the Gold Coast.
As well as the 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast classic, the Cycle for Cancer also includes a 60km course from Logan to the Gold Coast and a 40km Brisbane to Logan course.
To support this year’s challenge, visit the .
