Brisbane to Gold Coast ride for Samantha’s cancer research

A Brisbane mother thought she had finally beaten breast cancer before the deadly disease returned with a vengeance. Samantha’s husband has now gone into fight for her.

Wilson Torres will ride in the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer this weekend to raise funds for cancer research which will help his wife, Samantha, pictured here with their son Evan Torres. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography

When Wilson Torres joins the 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, every push on the pedals will be for his courageous wife, Samantha.

Ms Torres, 33, has already beaten breast cancer once, but now faces the fight of her life after the disease returned earlier this year, spreading to her brain, lungs, spine, and lymph nodes.

Together with the couple’s five-year-old son, Evan, Ms Torres will be cheering on her husband alongside 5000 other cyclists in the fundraising ride on Sunday, October 13.

All proceeds from the event will support cancer research, equipment and services at Mater hospitals throughout Queensland.

Mr Torres, 45, recounted how Evan was just five months old when his wife was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, turning their lives upside down.

Determined to beat the disease, Ms Torres underwent months of gruelling surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and was declared cancer-free in 2019.

However, earlier this year, the Hamilton couple received the shocking news Samantha’s cancer had returned and spread through her body.

Mr Torres said his wife underwent localised brain radiation treatment and resumed chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“Watching Samantha go through battle after battle is so hard,” Mr Torres said.

“Recently, we were told she will need lifelong weekly chemotherapy.”

Although Evan knows his mum is sick, he is unaware of the full extent of her battle.

Mr Torres said the couple tried to ensure Evan has as normal a childhood as possible.

Thousands are expected to compete in this weekend’s cycling event to raise money for cancer research. Picture: Mater

“Part of that is educating his friends at school that the side effects, like hair loss, are part of his mum’s treatment,” he said.

“Samantha volunteers in various capacities at Evan’s school, along with another mum going through chemotherapy.

“They leave their heads bare when volunteering, and over time the kids have been able to ask questions and they’ve become part of the fabric of the school community.”

Despite the devastating news, the support from their community has strengthened the family’s resolve to fight back.

“Every year since Samantha’s initial breast cancer diagnosis, I have taken part in the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, and this year we will carry on that tradition with a vengeance,” Mr Torres said.

“We know that every dollar raised supports critical research that could one day lead to a cure, sparing others from the heartache we have endured.

“Samantha might not be with us today without advances in cancer treatment thanks to Mater Research and clinical trials conducted over the last five years.”

Their team, BRIS-COL, had a target of $2500.

Riders will leave from South Brisbane and head to the Gold Coast. Picture: Contributed

Mater Foundation chief executive Andrew Thomas applauded the 5000 cyclists who will conquer the 100km course from South Brisbane to the Gold Coast’s Broadwater on Sunday.

“Thousands of riders will come together as part of this iconic Queensland event to help fund lifesaving cancer research and services at Mater,” Mr Thomas said.

The event offers riders the unique opportunity to cycle along the traffic-free South East Busway during the first stage of their journey to the Gold Coast.

In addition to the 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast classic, the Cycle for Cancer includes a 60km course from Logan to the Gold Coast and a 40km Brisbane to Logan course.