Long-distance cycling is one way Deyan Yankov deals with the stress of working as a medical radiation technologist at the Queensway Carleton Hospital.
“I work under pressure,” he says of his front-line job in healthcare, where he balances his role as a caring professional with the demands of a fast-paced environment and the need to stay updated on ever-evolving technology.
By hopping on his bike and hitting the open roads, Deyan is able to relax and clear his head. “It not only helps me physically but also mentally,” he says of his long rides on his trusty Cannondale road bike.
On June 22, Deyan will be combining his love for cycling with his deep appreciation for Queensway Carleton Hospital by embarking on a 120km-journey through many of the communities served by our hospital. Come rain or shine, he plans to depart at 8 a.m. from the hospital grounds. He anticipates it will take him roughly six hours to complete the loop.
If you happen to live in Kinburn, Carp, Ashton, Richmond, Manotick or Barrhaven, keep an eye out for Deyan — he’ll be cycling through. Don’t forget to offer words of encouragement as he passes by or make a donation to his fundraising efforts.
Deyan is hoping to raise $5,000 for QCH Foundation for the purchase of a new Vital Signs Monitor and to support the purchase of a new MRI machine for the hospital’s diagnostic imaging department. “I also want to raise awareness,” he said of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation’s reliance on donations from the public to purchase critical medical equipment. “It’s essential that we have this up-to-date technology so we can give our patients the best care possible."
Deyan is hosting a fundraising page that he is sharing with his network, asking friends and colleagues to donate to the cause.
As you can imagine, Deyan will be packing light for his long ride, bringing along water, energy bars and a small repair kit in case he gets a flat.
The ride will mark the furthest Deyan has ever biked in one day. “I do like the freedom of getting on my bike and covering long distances. If I can combine that with fundraising, why not? This way, it will benefit the hospital.”
Deyan is very grateful to work for a health care organization like QCH, and to have a job that he finds stimulating and rewarding. “I like how, at the end of the day, I feel like I helped someone.”
When he’s not busy helping patients — or pedaling around — Deyan remains rooted to his Bulgarian culture through folk dance. He travels across Canada and the United States to perform in multicultural festivals. “It keeps me connected,” he explains.
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