Baycrest

14 • BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2022 The Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health is scheduled to return on Sunday, June 4, 2023! To learn more or to register, visit: bikeforbrainhealth.ca Huffing and puffing up the embankment, we finally made it to the top of the hill and Jackson took his first real view to the left, just past the noise barriers. He was up high and could see everything. BMO field was his first 'wow' out loud moment. Skydome [now known as the Rogers Centre], the CN Tower, Scotiabank Place… that feeling of exploration and excitement carried us throughout the ride. As we made the left-hand turn to hit the DVP, Jack looked out to the Port Lands, a new development in Villiers Island and let me know that we'd be riding through the area soon and how awesome that would be. It was pretty magical being 15+ metres above the ground." NATASHA: "Toronto is a difficult city to cycle in; so having the ability to ride for a few hours on a beautiful day, safely, with other folks who are supporting this cause, left me feeling happy and positive." BRAINMATTERS: WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE FIGHT TO DEFEAT DEMENTIA THROUGH YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE RIDE? ED: "I was impressed with all that I heard and saw about Baycrest. I have some friends from Barrie who had been down here because they had problems. In conversations with me, they said how great the care they got there was; how it was outstanding." LANRICK JR.: "I was asked to help promote and amplify the ride through my appointment as the first Bicycle Mayor of Toronto, weeks before my father passed away. I was familiar with Baycrest's work in the field of brain research and was drawn to some of the spectacular art projects that I had seen over the last few years during The Brain Project campaign staged at Toronto's City Hall. Through this year's inaugural ride, I learned so much in regards to the scope of research needed to tackle brain disease and trauma. It's extremely complex medicine; but the doctors, researchers [and] everyone involved, are dedicated to collectively striving for a better future. I can get behind that. You'll for sure see me riding again next year!" NATASHA: "Before the ride, I had never heard of Baycrest. I learned that they are affiliated with the University of Toronto and [are home to] the Rotman Research Institute; and are behind The Brain Project — which I was very familiar with!"

• Cover