Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau: Cycling for children with cancer

Aria, 6 years old, is a bright and exceptionally brave little girl. Since being diagnosed with a rare tumour at a very young age, she has been through chemotherapy, surgery and two relapses with admirable resilience. Now in remission, she delights in life. With her love of princesses, unicorns and books, she dreams of saving lives like her own through research supported by the Tour CIBC Charles Bruneau. As a long-time partner of the Fondation Charles Bruneau, CIBC is actively engaged in fighting pediatric cancer, including through title sponsorship and employee participation in the Tour. Aria’s father, François, recounts their journey of anxiety, resilience, and hope.

When Aria was 2 years and 9 months old, my wife and I noticed a mass near her groin, and then another near her tailbone. The second one was growing, and we were really concerned about it. After several emergency room visits and weeks of waiting, Aria finally had an ultrasound. The technician didn’t say anything, but I could tell from his face that something was wrong. An hour later, a pediatrician called and told us to make an emergency visit to the CHU Sainte-Justine. Two days later, we learned that our daughter had an advanced but treatable malignant tumour. She then had surgery to remove the tumour and part of her tailbone. The tumour was so big that sitting down was painful for her. While usually full of energy, Aria had become withdrawn, but she gradually regained her spark thanks to our presence and the support of the medical team. 

The doctor was a great help with his transparency and respect. Despite the shock, we never felt that we were alone. Aria has been through several chemotherapy treatments, including a very intensive bone marrow autotransplantation. She also had an ostomy, which we learned how to manage in the hospital for when we got back home. We made our way through each stage together, with courage.

Despite the really difficult moments, throughout it all we felt supported and well cared for by both the medical team at the CHU Sainte-Justine and the Fondation Charles-Bruneau. The foundation is like family. You can see it in every little gesture. There’s a huge heart inside every individual, every cyclist, every volunteer.

Aria has had 2 relapses, but she has never been alone. I remember when she relapsed the second time, when we were at the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. Seeing all those cyclists cross the finish line, with their energy and their solidarity, made it all real. The foundation doesn’t just raise money. Those gestures change lives.

If I can give one message to other parents, it’s to keep a clear head and not give up hope. I know it isn’t easy, but medicine today is not the medicine of yesterday. The children are in good hands. Extraordinary progress has been made. And above all, we have to keep our children’s childhoods alive. Play with them. Be there for them, even in the face of adversity. Because they need us to be strong and at their side.

Aria is now an ambassador of the Fondation Charles Bruneau, and it’s a role she’s taken to heart. Her message is simple but powerful: “Don’t give up! We’ll be waiting for you at the finish line and cheering you on. Thank you very much!”

Just like Aria’s family, many CIBC employees are getting involved in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau to honour a loved one affected by cancer and to support research. This is the case for William Langlois and James Piccoli.

My name is William Langlois. I’m an Associate Financial Advisor at CIBC, and I’m participating in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau for the first time. I put off this commitment for a long time, but I knew it would be my turn one day. I once had a close friend who had cancer and was involved in the event. I supported her from a distance, promising myself that I would one day do my part.

She left us in Grade 11, leaving me deeply touched by her strength and courage. Thanks to her, I’ve met other sick children, all of them inspiring. Today, I’m taking up the torch in her memory.

When I joined CIBC in Jun 2024, I found a perfect opportunity to participate in the next edition of the Tour, which will be held from June 28 to July 4, 2025. I signed up for the two-day journey from Sherbrooke, with support from a colleague, my manager, and my entire team. We organized a bike-a-thon, sold chocolate, and managed to raise a significant amount for the cause. It’s touching to see that my bank shares my values.

It’s also touching to know that my friend’s family will be there at the finish line. This event is more than a sports challenge. It’s a way to keep my friend’s memory alive, to bring hope, and to show that every gesture counts. Whether we’re cycling, donating, or simply sharing a story, we all have a role to play in helping children heal.

My name is James Piccoli. I’m an Associate Investment Advisor at CIBC and a former professional cyclist. Participating in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau last year had a profound impact on me, especially the testimonials of the young patients I met along the way. Their courage inspired me.

The cause is also personal for me, as my mother battled cancer before I was born. Thanks to the care she received, she was able to start a family. That is in large part why this cause is so close to my heart.

The Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau is more than just a cycling event. It’s a movement of solidarity to give children fighting cancer a genuine shot at recovery. Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death among young people aged 0 to 18, and one in 400 children will be diagnosed with it before the age of 15.

The Fondation Charles Bruneau funds cutting-edge research that has an impact worldwide. Thanks to its support, children like Aria can hope to grow, to dream, and to live.

CIBC has been a proud partner of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau for 19 years now. Together with its employees and clients, the bank has raised over $13 million for the Fondation since 2006.

Every year, teams have mobilized across the country to cycle, to donate and to support Quebec families affected by pediatric cancer.

Find out how we support our communities and help change lives   

The Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau is held in several regions of Quebec, with routes that are accessible to everyone. People can participate as cyclists, volunteers or donors. You don’t have to get on a bike to make a difference. Every gesture counts. Together, we can change lives, one pedal stroke at a time.