Diesel's Army Sport Wish Fund
About the Fund
The Diesel’s Army Sport Wish Fund was established in loving memory of Ryan ‘Diesel’ Forbes who died of cancer in December 2023. The fund collaborates with sport foundations to deliver dream sport experiences and support to fans living with a cancer diagnosis. Through partnerships, Diesel’s Army strives to provide hope, strength and joy to oncology patients and their families during a difficult time. The fund also supports organizations in the area of cancer research.
Our Mission
Together, we deliver dream sport experiences to fans facing cancer.
Our Vision
A world where a cancer diagnosis doesn’t limit creating joyful memories with friends & family.
Our Values
- Dreams despite diagnosis;
- Conquering challenges with joy;
- The unifying power of sport;
- Making every moment count.
Our Story
The Diesel’s Army Sport Wish Fund was established in loving memory of Ryan ‘Diesel’ Forbes from Kemptville, Ontario who passed away in December 2023 from a rare and aggressive form of stage 4 appendix cancer.
In 2018, Diesel was diagnosed with his terminal cancer at the young age of 40. As a way to distract him from the grueling treatment ahead, Ryan’s wife, Julia Forbes, embarked on a mission to make his dream sport wishes come true. She connected and collaborated with local and international sport organisations to deliver a handful of once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Diesel - a self proclaimed ultimate sports fan - including a trip to Boston for the World Series, a trip with friends to Detroit to take in a Lions and Red Wings game, attending Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors games, and local meet-and-greets with Ottawa Senators players. The strength, motivation and drive these experiences provided for Diesel were priceless, giving him something to look forward to outside of his day-to-day chemotherapy, radiation and surgical treatments. Joyful unforgettable moments were forged with family & friends - memories that are cherished by the loved ones he leaves behind. Following his passing, Julia decided she wanted to help support other families facing cancer to create their own memories through sport experiences in a similar way. Shortly thereafter she formed the Diesel’s Army Sport Wish Fund.
During its early development, the fund received generous financial support from individuals and organizations. Since then, the fund has supported numerous sport fans facing cancer. The generosity of the community continues to grow and allows our fund to flourish. We are especially grateful for the support of ‘third party’ fundraising events held on our behalf by local businesses, community organizations and groups, including the upcoming first annual 'Diesel Classic’ Ontario Trades Hockey Tournament led by International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 96, and we make special note to the first ‘wishes’ granted, made possible by the generosity of Ottawa’s Braatz family who enable access to a set of 4 NHL Ottawa Senators season tickets (Diesel's Army Sens Program) for local sport fans fighting cancer to enjoy.
Refer a Fan
If you are a sports fan with a cancer diagnosis living in Canada, you can apply to the Diesel’s Army Sport Wish Fund for consideration. Once a referral is made, the individual will be contacted and a subsequent meeting will be arranged with Fund Advisors. If you are making a referral as a medical professional, concerned friend, or relative please have the patient or parent/guardian’s permission before referring.
If you are not eligible to refer someone, please ask the individual to visit our website or contact us.
To be eligible, the individual must:
- Reside in Canada
- Be living with a cancer diagnosis