Tomorrow, two of E-Comm’s very own police and fire call takers Colton Boreen and Alex Emeny will be participating in Tour de Coast, an annual fundraiser where police agencies and emergency service personnel cycle for eight days, riding over 800 kilometers along the coast of B.C. in support of children and families affected by cancer.
For both Colton and Alex, the event carries deep personal meaning through the challenge.
From survivor to advocate
For Colton, Tour de Coast is far more than an event—it’s personal. At just four years old, Colton was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. What followed was a year of chemotherapy at BC Children’s Hospital, multiple misdiagnoses, and groundbreaking surgery to remove most of his left hip bone and sacrum to prevent recurrence.
Now, 25 years later and cancer-free, Colton says he feels a deep sense of gratitude. “I’m one of the only people in the world to have had that surgery. Every day is a reminder of how fortunate I am to still be here.”
Colton’s survivorship has shaped his passion for advocacy. He attended Camp Goodtimes in 2001, received the 2022 Terry Fox Gold Medal Award from SFU, and continues to share his story at events to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
This year, Colton will be part of the support crew, helping riders behind-the-scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.
“Stepping into this role is outside of my comfort zone, but it’s important to me to connect with survivors, families, and first responders who are all part of this journey,” says Colton. “The support I’ve received has been overwhelming, and I’m so grateful. The funds raised will make a real difference for kids and families facing cancer.”
Building camaraderie on the road
As a fire call taker, Alex works closely with other first responders over the phone, but Tour de Coast offers a unique opportunity to connect in person and share an experience that unites everyone for a bigger cause.
That sense of camaraderie is what drew Alex to the event, but he also sees it as a personal challenge and a way to give back.
“It’s the trifecta for me: raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer research, pushing myself to ride 800 km across the coast, and being able to connect with partner agencies in person. To ride shoulder-to-shoulder with other first responders, all working toward the same goal, is really special. It reminds me that while we may play different roles, we’re all part of the same team.”
Over the past few months, Colton and Alex have been busy supporting the Tour de Coast in every way they can, by attending community events to raise awareness, volunteering at Camp Goodtimes and organizing fundraisers to help their team reach its goals.
Together, they show us that behind every uniform—and every call answered—are people dedicated to making a difference, both at work and far beyond it.
If you’d like to support Colton and Alex in their journey, donations can be made through the fundraising pages below:
Donation links