From The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Nestled in the heart of Muskoka cottage country, 70-year-old Steven Weiner has always enjoyed the beauty and rhythm of his cottage on Peninsula Lake, Huntsville. But this summer, he’s trading quiet mornings for training rides and kayaking sessions, all in preparation for a cause that’s suddenly become deeply personal.
The retired dentist and lifelong athlete is participating in The Princess Margaret Northern Pass to Conquer Cancer for the very first time on August 9, 2025. It’s a journey that began not with a bike ride, but as a proud supporter on the sidelines.
Last year, Steven cheered on his granddaughter Kiana, an avid athlete, as she completed Muskoka’s premier cycling and fundraising event through a scenic but hilly 40-160km ride. He was her biggest fan, cheering her on and soaking up the spirit of the event. “I stayed for lunch and was really impressed with the atmosphere and community,” he recalls. “By the end of the day, I thought, ‘Next year, I’m doing this too.’”
This year, the event carries even greater meaning. In January 2025, Steven received a diagnosis no one wants to hear from their doctor He was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A decade earlier, his doctor had begun monitoring his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, a key marker in detecting prostate issues. Though he was initially cleared, his numbers gradually rose. Thanks to cutting-edge advancements in prostate cancer screening and diagnostics, tools that simply didn’t exist a decade ago, Steven’s medical team was able to detect the disease at a remarkably early stage. It also underscores why Steven rides.
“Research helps save lives. I feel lucky to be a beneficiary of the very life-saving cancer research I’m now fundraising for,” says Steven. “This ride lets me help others and myself. ”
Now six months into treatment, Steven has undergone hormone therapy and 25 rounds of radiation. Despite the challenges, he remains active and optimistic, cycling, kayaking, playing tennis and golf, and enjoying time at his Muskoka cottage as he trains for the 40 km ride.
For Steven, the Northern Pass is more than just a personal goal, it’s a symbol, of resilience and hope. While he enjoys a little friendly competition with his granddaughter Kiana, the two plan to cross the finish line hand-in-hand. And just two days later, on August 11, he hopes to cross the finish line for his cancer treatments and ring the “cancer free” bell.
As he continues to paddle, pedal, and push forward, Steven stands as a proud example of what the Northern Pass is all about: courage, community, and the power of one person to make a difference. Support Steven’s Northern Pass ride and help advance cancer research: Click here to donate
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