Strong. Courageous. A warrior.
These are but a few of the words used to describe the late 28-year-old Jarrid Rich, a born and raised Cochranite who finally succumbed to his three-year battle with cancer on March 7.
Gone is a young man, father of two and dedicated community athlete and coach. What remains is his legacy — his spirit, which will be carried on through the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma lung cancer in 2010, Jarrid fought through extensive chemotherapy and surgeries, managing to astound family and friends by taking part in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer in June of 2011 and 2012 — a 200 kilometre bike ride through the Rocky Mountains that Jarrid’s team has raised more than $30,000 for cancer research through.
“He was such a warrior and he was so courageous,” said his mother, Susanne Rich. “He participated in the 2012 event just six weeks out of chemotherapy, without even being able to train for it.”
Jarrid was also a highlighted motivational speaker at the 2012 event, which boasted over 1,800 participants.
The fifth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, taking place June 22-23, will recognize Jarrid’s contribution to the fight against cancer, as ‘Jarrid’s Team’ will continue to ride for their late friend and family member.
“His team is growing by the day,” said Susanne. “His legacy is that you just don’t ever give up and that you just go on…maybe his passing will put a face to that orphan cancer group.”
Jarrid’s form of cancer is referred to as an ‘orphan cancer’; due to its rarity, there has been limited funding for research and treatment. Although Jarrid took part in a double blind study in December of 2011, and seemed to be reacting positively, the cancer returned with a vengeance.
By the time he passed away, his lungs were filled with tumours and he had no remaining lung capacity.
The family held a celebration of his life, where everyone, including his children — six-year-old Jaxon and 10-year-old Grace — wrote messages to him on balloons and released them into the sky.
Family member Wendy Thomas said she is still in shock that Jarrid is gone.
“He died really young and fought really hard…he also raised a tremendous amount of money in the fight against cancer,” she said, adding that she will always remember Jarrid as a devoted parent, who was an active volunteer in community sports.
A trust fund for Jarrid’s children has been set up at ATB Financial. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Cochrane community for their donations.
Visit conquercancer.ca to participate on ‘Jarrid’s Team’, donate or learn more.
