Of the over 15,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States, one in seven will not survive. We’re honored to have fought alongside so many of these children and their families, who selflessly shared their stories with us right up until the end.
Each of the children honored here served as Great Cycle Challenge ambassadors, sharing their stories with Great Cycle Challenge riders and inspiring thousands of people around the world to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. We honor their memory by committing ourselves to the cause and sharing their stories - because their lives, cut too short by cancer, mattered greatly.
To the families and loved ones of these children - thank you for sharing your child’s light with the GCC community. Their legacies will live on in our hearts and minds.
Harry Buckland, 2025 Ambassador
September 23, 2020 - February 16, 2026
5-year-old Harry passed away surrounded by his loving family after a courageously fought 14-month-long battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma. Throughout his cancer journey, he endured intensive treatment, fought challenging side effects, and experienced a heartbreaking relapse. His bravery and resilience inspired a nation.
Harry was a curious, loving, gentle kid full of wonder for the world. He was the best brother to Emily and Louis, and would often tell his parents Bec and Tom unprompted, “I have something to tell you… I love you!” His family will never forget the light Harry brought to their lives or the lessons he taught them about presence, love, and what truly matters. Harry’s parents continue to advocate for cancer research, donating blood, and support for families navigating childhood cancer diagnoses, to show up for Harry and all the kids like him.
Emily Borg, 2023 Ambassador
August 7, 2018 - August 24, 2023
Emily was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma in March 2023, and endured a gruelling treatment protocol. She developed a rare infection during a bone marrow transplant that travelled to her brain and caused multiple aneurysms. Emily passed away just weeks after her 5th birthday.
This girl was full of joy and sass, with a hilarious sense of humour that brought light to hard days. Emily’s parents, Emma and Brodie, continue to honour their daughter and her fight by advocating for all kids with cancer. In their words, “A life should be long. Every child should have the chance to grow up. Kids with cancer deserve more than a cure. Emily deserved a future.” Team Emily has raised over $150,000 to fund vital childhood cancer research in her honour.
Ivar Kingston Nurcholis, 2019 Ambassador
September 18, 2017 - August 29, 2019
At just 4 months old, Ivar was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer known as anaplastic ependymoma – he had a grade 3 malignant brain tumour. His little body fought so hard over his 17-month long battle with the disease. After overcoming so much, Ivar passed away just before his 2nd birthday with his loving parents Ana and Nork by his side.
This little warrior’s strength inspired thousands, and he made an impression on everyone who was lucky enough to meet him. In his almost two years of life, he taught his parents so much. He was joyful, cheeky, funny, and his absolute favourite food was chicken nuggets. This sweet boy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.
Natasha Slijokic, 2017 Ambassador
November 7, 2008 – March 21, 2018
Natasha or “Tash” was just 2 years and 7 months old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June 2011. She relapsed twice on her 6-year cancer journey, and fought serious complications like a severe fungal infection, graft vs host disease, and a collapsed lung. She faced so many obstacles, but battled with such strength and courage… she re-learned how to walk twice!
This special girl loved the movie Tangled, horses, unicorns, giraffes, and the colour pink. She was a big Many Sea Eagles fan, and adored her Burmese cat Coco. She grew her angel wings surrounded by family at just 9 years old, peaceful and pain-free, and will be forever remembered as one of the bravest of the brave.