Royal Canadian Air Force Capt. Aaron Niles is gearing up for the third annual Ruck for a Cure fundraiser, motivated by his younger brother's battle with cancer.
On Sept. 8, Niles, the former broadcast journalist turned RCAF public affairs officer at CFB Borden will embark on a 30-kilometre trek from 16 Wing HQ to the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre in Barrie, carrying a 30-pound rucksack filled with flour, symbolic of his brother's 30-day cancer prognosis.
Sean, Niles's brother, was diagnosed with infantile acute lymphoblastic leukemia at only four months old, and after various chemotherapy attempts, an experimental treatment succeeded, leading to a life-saving bone-marrow transplant.
Driven by gratitude to the staff at SickKids Hospital who helped save Sean, Niles devised the Ruck for a Cure fundraiser. Inspired by military training, a 'ruck' signifies a weighted backpack that builds strength. He fills his rucksack with materials used in the field, such as sleeping bags and food, aiming to raise $30,000 — $1,000 for each day of his brother's initial prognosis.
Niles's past walk raised nearly $6,000, a figure he hopes to surpass. All funds raised will support the local cancer centre, reflecting Niles's commitment to contribute to cancer research and treatment.
Niles's journey not only represents his dedication to cancer advocacy, but also symbolizes his brother's resilience. His 30-kilometre route aligns poignantly with the number 30, and his walk will be accompanied by the camaraderie of his fellow military colleagues.
Niles's openness about his own struggles has garnered support from others, fostering a sense of unity in his mission. As a testament to his brother's strength, Niles, along with Sean, will do the trek together, displaying the unwavering spirit that drives their determination to combat cancer's challenges.
Video Summary:
RCAF Capt. Aaron Niles is embarking on a 30-kilometre fundraising march in early September, aiming to raise money for the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. The initiative is inspired by his younger brother's cancer journey. Around a decade ago, Niles's brother was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, and despite a grim prognosis of just 30 days to live, an experimental treatment saved his life.
Capt. Niles, now in his third consecutive year of the trek, carries 30 pounds in his rucksack as a symbolic gesture, representing his brother's 30-day battle. His route is about 30 kilometres long, coincidentally mirroring the number.
The captain's efforts have garnered enthusiastic support from local cancer organizations and health-care providers.
The choice of the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre resonates deeply, and he is expected to present a donation of around $30,000. Having surpassed $6,000 this year, his dedication to the cause is unwavering. Before joining the air force as a public affairs officer, Niles was a broadcast journalist who aspired to be a war correspondent. The tragic loss of a cousin who was a war correspondent during the Iraq War steered him toward his current path.
Capt. Niles's determination to raise money for cancer research and treatment reflects the resilience of his brother's journey and the broader fight against cancer.
