When Jose Pinerua talks about his daughter Ariana, his love for her is unmistakable.
In 2021, Ariana was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Later that same year, Jose and his family experienced the unimaginable loss of saying goodbye to her.
Today, Ariana continues to inspire everything he does.
For families facing cancer, every moment matters. Jose knows that reality firsthand. While nothing can erase the heartbreak of losing Ariana, he found a way to transform his grief into purpose — helping create more hope for other families across Alberta.
In 2024, Jose joined a group of his colleagues from Team Gibson Energy, to take on a two-day bike ride and raise funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation through the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer.
Like many first-time participants, the idea of riding hundreds of kilometres felt daunting. But the reason behind his ride was bigger than any challenge on the road.
“I felt my daughter pushing me,” he says.
With Ariana in his heart, Jose committed to the ride and the fundraising journey that comes with it. He wanted to do something meaningful in her memory and help ensure other families might one day experience a different outcome.
Through every training ride, fundraising milestone and kilometre completed during Tour weekend, Jose carried Ariana with him.
His message to others considering the Tour is simple:
“If I did it, anybody can do it.”
The Tour is not just about cycling. It is about showing up for the people we love, supporting those facing cancer today and creating hope for tomorrow.
Finding Community Through Gibson Energy
One of the most meaningful parts of Jose’s experience has been the support he found through Team Gibson Energy.
After sharing Ariana’s story with colleagues, Jose was overwhelmed by the response.
“People I didn’t even know at the company were reaching out, supporting, and helping fundraise for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.”
Coworkers donated, offered words of encouragement, joined training rides and stood beside him throughout the journey. What began as a personal reason to ride quickly became something larger — a community united around a shared purpose.
For Jose, that support made all the difference.
The connections formed through Team Gibson reminded him that no one has to carry their challenges alone. Together, riders, supporters, volunteers and donors create a community of hope that extends far beyond Tour weekend.
Jose’s story is one of many reasons Gibson Energy continues to deepen its involvement in the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer.
Since first participating in 2024 with 17 riders, Team Gibson Energy has grown to 56 riders in 2026, expanding both its presence and its impact. This year, Gibson Energy is also proud to step forward as a Northern Lights Partner, demonstrating an even greater commitment to supporting Albertans facing cancer.
“We’re proud to support a cause that resonates deeply with our employees,” says Curtis Philippon, President & CEO of Gibson Energy.
The Tour provides employees with an opportunity to come together around a cause that touches countless lives. Whether riding, fundraising, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, Team Gibson members are helping advance cancer research, improve patient care and bring hope to families across Alberta.
Every dollar raised helps fuel progress and create meaningful impact for those facing cancer today and in the future.
Carrying Hope Forward
Every rider has a reason for showing up. For Jose, every kilometre is for Ariana.
It is for the memories they shared, the love that remains and the hope that one day fewer families will have to experience the same heartbreak.
Watch Jose’s heartfelt message below to hear his story in his own words.
Join Team Gibson in creating more hope for families across Alberta by supporting their 2026 Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer fundraising efforts.
