Campus Recreation | 6/18/2026 10:30:00 AM
It's amazing what can come from a simple idea when the right people come together.
For Fitness & Lifestyles student-employee, Lily Padovan, the idea was to create a community event, something to engage York students, staff, and faculty to show them that the gym and fitness culture is more than just what you lift. After losing her mother to a long battle against cancer in 2025, she wanted to find a link to the foundation that gave her extra time with her family, Princess Margaret.
"This event gave me meaning and provided an opportunity to keep my mom's memory alive," Padovan said. "It made my work at Tait more enjoyable because it stemmed from something I am passionate about."
Almost six months after the original seed was planted, her idea came to fruition. The first of many meets to come, she introduced Stronger Than Cancer, a fun and inviting event for those experienced or new to powerlifting, to step onto the platform, to lift for a cure. Lifters were able to compete in squat, deadlift, or bench), a combination of two, or all three. 27 participants registered, their fee fully going towards The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, and a total of 168 lifts were attempted. All came together with a simple mission.: to be stronger than cancer, to lift for the community and support those across Ontario who are fighting tremendous battles of their own.
"It was amazing how many people spent the whole day to participate in this event," Padovan said after the award ceremony. "I'm so impressed with all the people that wanted to participate and help. People just in the Fitness Centre working out were coming up to me saying they had been following the lead up on Instagram and how important this event is to them. Even all the small businesses, immediately and without hesitation, willing to help us out to make this a beautiful experience."
The York community did not only show up on the platform. They showed up in waves as volunteers and supporters. And for two individual volunteers, this event is more than just a way to show support.
Nico Perdicaris, a coach at Torque Barbell and a national powerlifting record holder, has been in integral part of getting this event off the ground. From assisting with advertising, to helping the Fitness & Lifestyles Tteam through logistics and set up, to serving as one of event judges – all while having recently been diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer.
"This is such an amazing experience to meet people, said Perdicaris. "Combining powerlifting events and battling cancer are both about being strong physical and mentally. Being committed, showing up, and knowing that everyone, even strangers, are supporting you, and pushing through barriers and each other. It was a fantastic time."
"I was in the right place at the right time with my job at Torque (Barbell)." Lily Padovan highlighted. "I knew Nico for two weeks after getting hired there and he just said, 'Tell me when and where, and I'll be there'. No questions asked when I approached him for help."
"Anytime powerlifting is involved, it's a way to give back to the powerlifting community that has been a place for me for 11 years and for people to show their true potential," Perdicaris responded when asked why he jumped in so quickly. And "wWhen I heard the cause, it really hit home. It's about living in every moment and cherishing every moment you have."
Perdicaris wasn't the only volunteer to step for something that was close to home. Reem I. Ali, the Director of IT Services at York, took charge with gathering donations and supporting participants on event day.
"I wanted to volunteer to give back to the staff, students, and community at York," Ali said. "Being a breast cancer survivor myself, and understanding that journey and I was lucky, because I saw people that needed help from events like this."
She spent the day spreading awareness, why funding and events like this are important despite being fortunate with our health care system, and how funding is being used to participants and members in the building.
"Everyone here rocks." Ali said about the participants and other volunteers. "If you weren't here this year, you have to be here next year in some way."
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation expects to see over 400,000 patients and support their families every year, whether for new patient intake, follow up appointments and care, and surgeries. This care is more than just about healing the body. Whether it is patient education, finding meaning and connection, even through difficult times, areas to destress or relax through the arts, childcare, and more., Princess Margaret is more than a hospital. They are a network and community of support for Toronto and all of Ontario. And those that came out to participate in the event did more than support.
With the registration fees, direct donations, and raffle prizes, the event raised $2809.25.
After the event, Padovan had a moment to reflect on everyone who donated, volunteered, or even just spoke with her.
"The idea of Stronger Than Cancer only works when others get involved, whether as a participant or a volunteer," she said. "I created a space; they created the event by attending, but working on this event and being here today also reminded me to honour those fighting cancer before they pass away. I think everyone should take a moment to honour those close to them who are alive rather than honour them when they can't see it."
The event would not have been possible without the amazing support of the local businesses either through raffle donations and/or day-of support.
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