Rediscovering Life and Freedom
NOV 11, 2025
My name is Ron Cairns, a 60-year-old construction supervisor from Bradford, Ontario. For 15 years, I battled severe arthritis in both knees. The constant pain and limited mobility affected not just my body, but my mind, leading to anxiety and depression. Despite trying countless treatments, my condition worsened, and I was eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that damaged my kidneys.
Starting dialysis was a daunting reality, and I was told it could take years to receive a kidney transplant. My doctor recommended knee replacement surgery before the transplant—a grueling process, but one that ultimately restored my mobility and changed my life.
During rehabilitation, a friend introduced me to e-bikes. I took the plunge and purchased a Freesky AlaskaPro M520—and everything changed. Its sleek design, dual batteries, and fat tires gave me the freedom to ride long distances without pain. What began as short trips quickly turned into epic journeys, sometimes covering over 180 km in a single day.
One ride I’ll never forget took me from Bradford to Barrie, then along the Kobold Trail to Orillia, circling Lake Simcoe. Feeling the wind in my hair and the thrill of the ride, I felt alive again—a carefree kid rediscovering joy after decades.
Now, just three days after receiving a kidney transplant at Toronto General Hospital, I’m reflecting on how much this bike has given me. The Freesky AlaskaPro M520 has done more than provide a hobby—it’s helped me reclaim my freedom and passion for life.
The child I once was has returned after 50 years. I’m grateful to Freesky for creating a bike that made it possible. I can’t wait to hit the trails again, feel the sun on my face, and chase countless new adventures.