“I want my brother’s name to be remembered forever.”

Michael Lander was an accomplished endurance athlete who had completed over 40 marathons and could bike for hours each day. By all accounts, he was the picture of health.

But on February 24, 2025, Michael passed away suddenly in his sleep—the result of undetected and undiagnosed coronary artery disease. Just 56 years old, he left behind a wide circle of devastated family and friends. 

“It turned out that he had massive blockages in his arteries,” says his sister, Rebecca Lander. “We were completely shocked. There were no signs that anything was wrong with his health or his heart.” 

As the first anniversary of her brother’s death approaches, Rebecca has decided to channel her grief by launching a fundraiser in support of Sports Cardiology Toronto, in partnership with St. Michael’s Hospital.

Aiming to raise at least $10,000, she hopes the fundraiser will help save the lives of athletes like Michael and prevent other families from experiencing such a tragic loss. 

As part of the fundraiser, Rebecca is rallying Michael’s teammates on Zwift, a massive virtual cycling community where people from around the world can ride together online trails from the comfort of their homes. Michael was beloved in the Zwift community and an important leader in a large team known as BMTR: Bravery, Motivation, Teamwork, Respect.

On Sunday, February 22—nearing the first anniversary of Michael’s death—Zwift cyclists will ride together to a memorial on a virtual mountainside. 

“Immortalized on the road is a tribute sign that reads ‘BMTR LANDER’,” says Rebecca. “It means a lot to me and to his teammates to have his name in a place that meant so much to him, and somewhere we can think about him as we pass by. I visit it once a week.”

Anyone can sign up to participate in the Zwift event or simply donate to support the work of Sports Cardiology Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital. 

“I want my brother’s name to be remembered forever. And I want to help make sure no one else has to experience the pain of a loss like this,” says Rebecca. “Sports Cardiology Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital are working to protect athletes like Michael, and I’m proud to support them in this way.” 

Visit Rebecca Lander’s fundraising page to donate in support of Sports Cardiology Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital. To join the Zwift event on February 22, visit bmtr.events/bmtrcares.