It might be one of the extremely rare occasions where a concussion might be a good thing.
Nick Geddes of Whistler suffered a significant head injury while competing on April 15 in the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, Calif., and after testing from the on-site doctors at the race, was advised to visit a local hospital to undergo further testing.
His heart rate was high and he'd been struggling through minor illnesses in recent months, but after blood work was completed at the Monterey hospital he was stunned to hear what they discovered: He had leukemia.
"It was definitely surprising," Geddes said. "But in retrospect it might have been the luckiest crash I've ever had. They discovered the disease early enough that I should be able to race again in six months."
Geddes, 17, has been passionate about mountain bike racing from a young age and his family moved to the Sea to Sky Corridor from West Vancouver two years ago, in part because of the outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.
"Biking is something my family has always done," he said. "It's an awesome way to stay fit and I just love being in the woods, having adventures and exploring in the forest."
He has become a force in the junior downhill division. He finished first in the final Canada Cup race last August and won the overall Canada Cup series as well. But it's not only biking that Geddes has excelled at, as he competes on the B.C. Ski Cross team based in Whistler and also trains on Mondays in the spring and summer with 麻豆社国产BMX.
It is his association with 麻豆社国产BMX that has led to the club deciding to raise money in his honour during the Race for Life event on Sunday, May 15.
"He's such a nice kid," said Vicki Schenk, 麻豆社国产BMX president. "He's always so polite on the phone and he seems to get along with everyone in our club."
Geddes said he was overwhelmed by the support he's received from the Sea to Sky Corridor and is looking forward to the event.
"I've been blown away by the amount of support not only from 麻豆社国产BMX but also the ski team and my mountain bike teammates," he said. "You don't realize how lucky you are until something like this happens. It should be a really good event and help raise awareness."
All race registration fees and donations from the event will go toward cancer research at B.C. Children's Hospital. 麻豆社国产BMX encourages anyone interested to come out to their facility, located just south of the Brennan Park parking lot past the skateboard park. All you need is a bike, helmet, long sleeve shirt and pants, a signed waiver and a $20 donation.
Registration will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m., with the race taking place shortly after. For more information on the event, visit www.squamishbmx.ca.
