Introducing the Workout to Conquer Cancer Mylestone Award
May 28, 2025
The BC Cancer Foundation is proud to introduce an annual award that recognizes a team (or person) that embodies the heart, soul and spirit of Workout to Conquer Cancer.
In its inaugural year, the award is being presented to the family of the young man it’s named after, Myles Lindsay — in recognition of their inspirational efforts to both honour his legacy and fundraise to advance cancer research and care in B.C. to save other families from losing someone they love.
A Legacy of Courage, Resilience and Generosity
Myles Lindsay was like any other 15-year-old. He loved fishing, his dog, Stella, and spending time with his cousins and brothers. This spring, he should have been graduating, alongside his twin brother Nathan and his friends, from Rockridge Secondary in West Vancouver.
It was in 2021 when Myles was diagnosed with Stage 4 diffused gastric carcinoma, a stomach cancer rarely found in young people, that he proved himself to be truly extraordinary. He faced cancer with positivity and determination — punctuated by a playful sense of humour that uplifted everyone around him.
To distract and support Myles while he was undergoing chemotherapy, and to give his large, loving family something positive to focus on, his family registered for Workout to Conquer Cancer.
That first year, Team Miles for Myles raised an astounding $92,000. Myles was eager to beat their record the following year and so in May 2022 he challenged his friends and family to hit $100,000.
Determined to meet the goal before Myles had surgery to remove the tumour and his stomach at the end of May, his family pulled out all the stops.
Buckets for Myles, a student-led basketball fundraiser at Rockridge Secondary was created. His cousins committed to walking 100,000 steps — one for every dollar they hoped to raise. This included a “special route” Myles mapped out around the hospital. It was clearly in the shape of a penis, recalls Myles’ mom Lana, adding, “What can I say, he was a teenage boy.”
Myles (centre) with his brothers, Nathan, Cole and Matthew.
Just before his surgery, Myles was thrilled to learn they had far surpassed his goal, raising $225,000 in the May-long challenge.
Unfortunately, Myles passed away on June 1, 2022.
Participating in Workout to Conquer Cancer after losing Myles was incredibly difficult, says Lana. “But he never gave up. He was so strong. We needed to be strong as well.”
Inspired by Myles, who loved watching his friends and family conquer wild and wacky physical feats and smash the fundraising goals he set for them, Miles for Myles has raised more than $600,000 during their five years participating in Workout to Conquer Cancer.
“It’s a way to keep Myles close, to make him proud, to make his terrible journey with cancer not be completely in vain,” says Myles’ aunt, Susan Richardson.
“It’s a way to honour and cherish all of our memories of Myles and get out there and do something to make a difference for other families.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Most impressive is how the younger members of Miles for Myles have embraced the challenge. “Myles was one of 15 cousins. He and his twin brother were the youngest and they ranged up to 31 years old when Myles first got sick,” says Susan.
“It’s an incredible gift to watch young people in their teens, 20s, and early 30s be inspired to go out into their communities and take up the mantle to say that this is important: to fight cancer, we must raise dollars for research. It’s what Myles would have wanted; it’s his legacy.”
The Mylestone Award: Honoring the Spirit of Community and Commitment
The Mylestone Award celebrates participants who, like Myles and his family, go above and beyond and demonstrate exceptional dedication, creativity and impact through their fundraising efforts during Workout to Conquer Cancer to make a significant difference for other people facing cancer.
Nominate Someone for Next Year’s Mylestone Award
Do you know a participant or team who embodies the energy, dedication and community spirit of Workout to Conquer Cancer? Help us recognize those who go above and beyond!
We’re looking for individuals or teams who reflect the following values:
Fundraising Excellence: Demonstrate a significant contribution to fundraising efforts in support of cancer research and care.
Commitment and Longevity: Has participated in Workout to Conquer Cancer, either individually or as part of a team, over multiple years.
Leadership and Advocacy: Demonstrated initiative, motivating others to get involved and using their voice to champion the cause.
Active Engagement: Actively promotes awareness for the cause beyond the May challenge period.
Check back in early 2026 for details on how to submit a nomination.
