Pedalling for a Purpose: McGill Student Bicycles Across Quebec to Raise Awareness for Rare Diseases
Cycling, piano and a cause close to home
This summer, Ryan Hull, a third-year Biology student at McGill University, has taken on a unique journey: biking across Quebec while giving classical piano concerts. His mission is twofold—share the joy of music and raise money and awareness for rare disease research.
Hull’s tour has already taken him through Quebec City, Rimouski, and even the remote Gulf of St. Lawrence community of Les Bergeronnes. At each stop, his performances of Bach, Chopin and Beethoven have drawn local audiences while spotlighting an often-overlooked health issue.
“Through this project, I get to support a cause I care about deeply, while performing music I love, while on a cycling adventure I’ve long dreamt of,” Hull said. “I’m looking forward to raising more awareness about this cause with the people of Quebec.”
A personal connection
Hull’s interest in rare diseases stems from a family member’s diagnosis several years ago. His advocacy now extends to the broader community of nearly 700,000 Quebecers living with rare conditions, many of whom face long waits for a diagnosis, limited treatment options, and a lack of public awareness.
“Quebec is lucky to have health care and research networks dedicated to rare diseases, like RQMO and RARE.Qc,” Hull noted. “Unfortunately, they remain underfunded and their resources are largely unknown to the public, including many individuals carrying rare diseases.”
All donations from Hull’s ride will go toward supporting those organizations and their mission.
Music as a force for good
Although his academic focus is Biology, Hull has been studying piano since childhood, training under Jacques Harvey and developing a strong passion for classical repertoire. He has performed charity concerts in the past, supporting organizations such as the Red Cross in Ukraine and a local palliative care home.
“Music is a great way to bring people together around a cause,” Hull said. He also plays an active role in Montreal’s musical life, performing with the McGill Classical Music Club and teaching piano in underserved communities through the Montreal Heart of the City Piano Program.
A tour nearing its finale
Hull plans to wrap up his cycling and concert tour on August 24, just before the fall term begins. Still, he hopes to add a few more performances, including a possible final benefit concert at McGill University.
“The University is both a leading medical and musical institution,” Hull said. “Performing there would be an ideal fit for a final concert of this fundraiser.”
Though his bike will soon be set aside for labs and lecture halls, Hull intends to keep fundraising until mid-October, when he plans to close his donation page.
Understanding rare diseases
Rare diseases, sometimes called orphan diseases, are medical conditions that affect a small percentage of the population. In Canada, the European definition is often used: fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. Despite their name, these illnesses are not uncommon when considered together—most cancers qualify as rare diseases, along with conditions like cystic fibrosis, cat eye syndrome, and thousands more.
Living with a rare disease often means navigating challenges such as delayed diagnoses, lack of effective treatments, isolation, financial strain, and limited support networks. While research and advocacy groups exist, they often operate with scarce resources.
Hull hopes his tour will not only raise funds but also shine a brighter light on these realities.