Gabrielle's Ride is Sunday Gabrielle's Ride to help combat the congenital heart disease that took the life of fiveyear-old Oakville girl Gabrielle Ide Cinanni in 2010 is Sunday. Gabrielle's Ride is a 100-kilometre bike ride through Oakville and neighbouring communities designed to raise money for Cardiac Kids and the Paediatric Stroke Fund. In addition to the 100-km Journey of Hope, there will also be a 2-km Tyke Ride, 15-km Family Adventure and 50-km Rainbow Ride. In addition to raising money for care and research, the funds will also go towards the development of a Stroke Kids Camp and the world's first workshop on pediatric cardioembolic stroke. At two months old, Gabrielle was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. With no known treatment options available, Gabrielle struggled with the symptoms of heart failure for the next five and a half years. Before her first birthday, she had undergone three angioplasties doctors hoped would save her life. "Gabrielle was an inspirational child who embraced her life with grace despite living with the impacts of her disease," says Gabrielle's mother, Nikki. "We wanted to give back to Cardiac Kids and the Paediatric Stroke Fund at SickKids for everything they did to help our daughter and to help support the thousands of other families with children that are going through 11 · Thursday, July 19, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Gabrielle Ide Cinanni the same thing she did." Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect, affecting three per cent of all babies born in Canada. More than half of all children born with the disease will require surgery. Given their hearts are already fragile, patients are at high risk for a stroke. The inaugural Gabrielle's Ride will be taking place Sunday (July 22) from Appleby College in Oakville. Riders and their families can enjoy entertainment including face painting and inflatable bouncers and mingle at the lunchtime barbecue. Organizers hope to raise $75,000. To register or donate to the event, visit www.gabriellesride.com. S S E N D A M T H G I N MID WN OAKVILLE O T N W O IN D SHUTTLE BUS Every 15 minutes! FREE AFFORDABLE ELEGANCE! BEST VALUE IN RETIREMENT LIVING! Friday July 20th Fantastic Shopping Live Music & Entertainment www.oakvilledowntown.com Amazing Dining · Very spacious 1 and 2 bedroom suites with kitchenettes or kitchens · 3 Deliciously prepared nutritious meals daily and 24 hour cafe · Weekly housekeeping and linens service · Medication management and care packages available · Full array of on-site activities and excursions in our Van · Fully equipped and staffed Fitness Centre · Theatre/ Chapel / Gracious Dining Room and Private Dining Room · Demo Kitchen / Hair Salon / Sports Lounge / many indoor and outdoor lounge areas GREAT TRIAL STAY OFFER AND OTHER SPECIALS! 611 Farmstead Drive, Milton, Ontario L9T 7Y8 CALL PETER FOR A TOUR TODAY- 905.636.6300 www.birkdaleplace.com Brought to you by the businesses of Downtown Oakville and the generous support of our sponsors