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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, March 27, 2013 | 10 Kick-off event to sign up for Gabrielle's Ride by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff The success of the inaugural Gabrielle's Ride is proof love goes a long way. The late Gabrielle Ide Cinanni died of congenital heart disease on Nov. 9, 2010 -- and wanting to keep her daughter's memory alive and help other children with similar conditions, Gabrielle's mom, Nikki Ide, created the charity cycling event, Gabrielle's Ride. The first edition of the 100-kilometre charity bike ride through Oakville was held last year and Ide called it an incredible success as more than 400 participants raised more than $75,000 for Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). "I think it shows there has been a need and I wish it had been available for Gabrielle. I know it would have made a difference for her," Ide said, holding back tears. "I'm so proud of her life, that she's still giving to these kids to make a difference." Ide said she felt overwhelmed and proud after last year's success, calling it all a "labour of love" -- the event is run by more than 150 volunteers. "We all thought they were big goals to begin with and you just never know in the first year," said Ide. "To have that level of commitment and passion from everyone who volunteers their time, it's just overwhelming in every kind of way." The kickoff for this year's event is tomorrow (March 28) at 7 p.m. at Fionn MacCools, 350 Dundas St. E., with the ride slated for Sunday, July 21 at Fern Hill School, 3300 Ninth Line. Tickets to the kickoff cost $20, which includes an appetizer, ticket for a door prize, live entertainment and a chance to register for the 2013 ride. This year, event organizers are expecting 500 participants and hope to raise $100,000. Proceeds will support the World First Fellowship program at SickKids -- a pediatric cardioembolic fellowship. "It will essentially create a new field so a physician can help a child who has both cardiac disease and pediatric stroke," said Ide. "It means there will be someone Gabrielle Ide Cinanni there who will understand both those needs more intimately and specifically." Proceeds from this year's ride will also support: · publishing the world's first guidelines to treating children like Gabrielle and sharing them internationally · hosting a Continued Medical Education (CME) event on congenital heart disease and pediatric stroke in Oakville for Halton, Peel and Hamilton doctors · developing a state-of-the-art research lab at SickKids · the Lighthouse for Grieving Children, which helps support children while they grieve "We are so fortunate to have the support from the community to be able to make this happen," said Ide. "It is going to, honestly, change things in the ways these kids are treated. I'm so proud of that." To donate or register for Gabrielle's Ride 2013, visit www. gabriellesride.com.