Ryan Hull, a 21-year-old classically trained pianist and McGill University student, spent much of his summer cycling over 2,500 kilometres throughout Quebec to raise awareness about rare diseases.
The biology student organized a musical fundraiser for the Regroupement Québécois des Maladies Orphelines (RQMO) by cycling to different venues where he performed a series of benefit concerts. So far, he has raised over $8,400 for the coalition, which offers support for people suffering from a rare disease and their families. The organization also works to raise awareness of illnesses that affect less than one in 2,000 people, such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, or Huntington’s disease.
Hull became interested in rare diseases after a family member was diagnosed a few years ago. More than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified worldwide, but because so few people are diagnosed, there is less interest in developing treatments.
After learning about Hull’s fundraising efforts, members of the Georgetown Presbyterian Church in Howick reached out to see about hosting a concert. Hull had originally planned to end his concert series on August 24 but agreed to extend the series into the school year to include a performance at the church on October 19.
Hull will first cycle to the Halte des Villages in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, which is part of the Beauharnois-Salaberry regional park. Fellow cyclists may join him at this point before he sets out on the second half of his journey to the Georgetown Church where he will perform a selection of pieces by Beethoven, Bach, and Chopin starting at 2 p.m. (SR)