Laina Rajala

10years All Star
Laina Rajala
I am riding 300 mi for Rourke & Ethan. Please sponsor me and support my challenge to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.
I've Ridden 347.5 mi to fight kids' cancer
My Rankings
  • National: 574th
  • State: 21st in MN
I've raised $2,561 to fight kids' cancer Donate Now

I'm Riding For

Rourke & Ethan

Rourke & Ethan

Ethan's cancer journey is at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethanstrenge Rourke's cancer journey is at www.caringbridge.org/visit/rourkewacholz Molly's cancer journey is at www.caringbridge.org/visit/mollyvergin Audrey's parents' blog is at www.inspiredbyaudrey451755261.wordpress.com ----- Please consider sponsoring me with a donation to the Children's Cancer Research Foundation so that others can LIVE. CCRF invests in lifesaving, leading-edge research in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of childhood cancers and blood-related disorders.

My Story

10 Sep 2024

The GCC raises money for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. This is a nationally prominent, Minneapolis-based foundation that supports research on children’s cancer therapies and cures, particularly in under-funded cancers. Bikers set their own mileage and fundraising goals and registration is free.

I’ve ridden every year for Ethan Strenge from New Richland, the son of one of my best friends. Ethan is 22 and a 15+ year survivor of rhabdomyosarcoma. He had major reconstructive surgery on his face in January to repair tissue and bone growth issues caused by surgery and radiation when he was 4. The reconstruction was the first surgery of this kind his team at Mayo had attempted, primarily because survivors of this type of cancer are rare.

I’ve ridden for Audrey Wood, the daughter of a former co-worker at Taylor Corp. Audrey is forever 10, having lost her battle with brain cancer in 2018. Her parents, Brent and Shanna, are fellow GCC participants. Any GCC rider is welcome to join their team, Audrey Squad.

I’ve ridden for Heather Giefer, a Nicollet 16-y/o and niece of a friend, who lost her battle with brain cancer in 2017.

I’ve ridden for Molly Vergin, the daughter of a HS friend, who has endured several treatments in PA and MN this last year during her relapse of leukemia after 7 years in remission. She recently celebrated being 100 days post-bone marrow/stem cell transplant.

I’ve ridden for Rourke Wacholz, “Rourke Chop” is the 6 y/o grandson of a friend and lives in the NRHEG community. He has completed treatments for leukemia.

I could go on and on. The reality is that every 2 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer, and 38 kids die of cancer each week.

One month, one goal: FIGHT CANCER.

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 10 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.
  • Ridden
    Raised
    2015
  • 217 mi Ridden
    $1,105 Raised
    2016
  • Ridden
    Raised
    2017
  • 367 mi Ridden
    $2,336 Raised
    2018
  • 625 mi Ridden
    $3,261 Raised
    2019
  • 301 mi Ridden
    $5,443 Raised
    2020
  • 500 mi Ridden
    $3,093 Raised
    2021
  • Ridden
    Raised
    2022
  • 104 mi Ridden
    Raised
    2023
10years
2,607 mi
Ridden
$19,772
Raised

My Challenge

  • 11.6 mi ride - Lunch Ride - Saturday, November 16, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 7 days ago - View on Strava
  • $2,500 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $2,500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved SUPERHERO LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 46 days ago
  • 19.0 mi ride - Lunch Ride - Sunday, October 6, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 48 days ago - View on Strava
  • $2,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $2,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved LEGEND LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 52 days ago
  • 38.1 mi ride - Morning Ride - Saturday, September 28, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 56 days ago - View on Strava
  • 2.9 mi ride - Morning Ride - Saturday, September 28, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 56 days ago - View on Strava
  • 2.1 mi ride - Evening Ride - Friday, September 27, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 57 days ago - View on Strava
  • 3.3 mi ride - Evening Ride - Thursday, September 26, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 57 days ago - View on Strava
  • 23.3 mi ride - Afternoon Ride - Thursday, September 26, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 58 days ago - View on Strava
  • 4.1 mi ride - Morning Ride - Wednesday, September 25, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 59 days ago - View on Strava
  • 14.1 mi ride - Evening Ride - Tuesday, September 24, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 60 days ago - View on Strava
  • 6.2 mi ride - Evening Ride - Monday, September 23, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 61 days ago - View on Strava
  • 7.8 mi ride - Afternoon Ride - Sunday, September 22, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 62 days ago - View on Strava
  • 12.5 mi ride - Afternoon Ride - Sunday, September 22, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 62 days ago - View on Strava
  • 5.1 mi ride - Morning Ride - Friday, September 20, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 64 days ago - View on Strava
  • 10.2 mi ride - Evening Ride - Thursday, September 19, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 65 days ago - View on Strava
  • 16.3 mi ride - Afternoon Ride - Wednesday, September 18, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 66 days ago - View on Strava
  • 10.3 mi ride - Evening Ride - Tuesday, September 17, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 66 days ago - View on Strava
  • 10.1 mi ride - Evening Ride - Monday, September 16, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 68 days ago - View on Strava
  • 50.2 mi ride - Morning Ride - Sunday, September 15, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 69 days ago - View on Strava
  • Kick Cancer’s Butt Day
    10 Sep 2024

    Every year a group of amazing donors provide matching funds. Today only, $1.5 million in online donations will be matched. I’m 1/3 through the month and 134 through my miles.

    Kick Cancer’s Butt Day
    Posted 74 days ago
  • 8.2 mi ride - Morning Ride - Tuesday, September 10, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 74 days ago - View on Strava
  • 5.8 mi ride - Afternoon Ride - Monday, September 9, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 75 days ago - View on Strava
  • 5.3 mi ride - Morning Ride - Monday, September 9, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 75 days ago - View on Strava
  • $1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 76 days ago
  • 16.9 mi ride - Morning Ride - Sunday, September 8, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 76 days ago - View on Strava
  • 30.3 mi ride - Morning Ride - Saturday, September 7, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 77 days ago - View on Strava
  • 3.2 mi ride - Morning Ride - Friday, September 6, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 78 days ago - View on Strava
  • 10.7 mi ride - Evening Ride - Thursday, September 5, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 78 days ago - View on Strava
  • $500 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 79 days ago
  • 10.4 mi ride - Evening Ride - Wednesday, September 4, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 79 days ago - View on Strava
  • $250 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 80 days ago
  • 9.5 mi ride - Evening Ride - Tuesday, September 3, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 80 days ago - View on Strava
  • $100 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 80 days ago
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My Sponsors

  • Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
    “Here's your matched donation from a group of wonderful Children's Cancer Research Fund supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
    $169.38
    Received this donation 73 days ago
  • Poker Ride!
    “Great fun with cycling friends who were willing to support a great cause.”
    $110
    Received this donation 52 days ago
  • Janet Nelson
    “Laina always amazes me!”
    $103.50
    Received this donation 72 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $102.53
    Received this donation 80 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $102.53
    Received this donation 80 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $102.53
    Received this donation 80 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $102.53
    Received this donation 79 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $100
    Received this donation 78 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $100
    Received this donation 79 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $100
    Received this donation 79 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $100
    Received this donation 80 days ago
  • Anonymous
    $100
    Received this donation 52 days ago
  • Anonymous
    $100
    Received this donation 52 days ago
  • Anonymous
    $100
    Received this donation 46 days ago
  • Anonymous
    $100
    Received this donation 52 days ago
  • Terri Prigge
    $77.63
    Received this donation 74 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $77.02
    Received this donation 80 days ago
  • Nancy Molenda
    $72.45
    Received this donation 55 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $55
    Received this donation 51 days ago
  • Facebook Fundraiser Donation
    $51.52
    Received this donation 64 days ago
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Donate Now