D’Ornellas Cycling Club event slated
Retired Olympian and two-time Canadian road racing champion Eon D’Ornellas is leading the D’Ornellas Cycling Club for a 75-kilometre ride starting at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 20.
The ride will begin at D’Ornellas bike shop at 1894 Lawrence Ave. E. Riders are being asked to donate a minimum of $25 to raise funds for medical expenses for his neice, Jessica Turner.
Turner, 37. has been battling an rare illness that has paralyzed her stomach, large and small intestines. Most recently, she has also been diagnosed with epilepsy.
Over the past seven years, Turner has been in and out of the hospital for doctor’s appointments, emergency visits and hospital stays.
According to Turner’s husband, Steve, her doctor’s are now looking at a multi-organ transplant.
Family and close friends have been doing everything they can to support the family. A friend has set up an online crowdfunding account that will go towards a medical expense trust fund.
Donations are being accepted online at GoFundMe.com/aki4t8.
To register for Sunday’s cycling ride, cyclists can contact Lori-Ann D’Ornellas by email at dornellastraining@gmail.com . Cyclists can also register on the day of the event. They must arrive at the bike shop at 8 a.m. to sign a registration form and bring their $25 minumum donation.
There will also be an after-ride celebration with a barbecue and a raffle.