Why I chose One Walk to Conquer Cancer

Why I chose to walk the One Walk to Conquer Cancer. I had always wanted to do a Marathon but I never found the one that really touched me. I had just been notified of my 35 yr old niece and friend being diagnosed with cancer. Sitting on the couch watching t.v and a commercial came on about One Walk. The slogan is One Walk, All Day, All Cancers. This was it, I got butterflies in my gut and I knew this was the one. I went online and registered immediately. I registered as a lone walker. I always do things alone. I started training, which was not too hard as I make a habit of walking 3-6 km 4-5 days a week as it is. They give you a choice on which Cancer you want your donations to go to. The only thing I was worried about was that to walk you must reach a minimum $1,500. So many people in my area lost jobs due to the oil and gas fall out. I did manage to raise a significant amount but fell short. I lost hope that I would be able to walk. I just was not a person to ask for help. I received a call (5 days prior to walk) from my One Walk Crew Coach as I always had throughout months leading up to. She informed me that she could add me to a team which would increase my donations so I would be able to walk. I was ecstatic. I was so grateful that she took the time to help and do what she could so I could reach my goal as walking meant so much to me. I was in.

Cancer had taken my Mother at 49 and my Grandfather before her along with numerous friends and family. The latest to hear those words “you have cancer” was my 35 yr old niece who had just had her first child which was then 5 months. After numerous surgeries, it looks as though she has won the battle. Last yr we had lost my 48 yr old Sister In-law to a lengthy battle with cancer. All through the walk I often thought about the battle they went through and how hard it must have been to endure cancer and all it brings. It gave me that extra push knowing it was nothing compared to the battle they had to go through.

The Big Day:

It was a rainy cold morning. I was a bit skeptical as I have some health issues that could prove challenging for me on a good day not to mention in cold rainy weather. I dressed for it and went with a positive attitude. Arrived early and got my lanyard with my name tag and button. With time to spare I took cover in a tent before the race where I met some great people. A lady with similar health issues (Fibromyalgia). We shared stories unfortunately, she has it worse than I which only let her go a short distance. I was lucky that my issues laid minimal this day and abled me to walk without to much discomfort. I do thank “Le-vel Thrive” for my lasting energy and lesson my discomforts for sure. I really believe I may not have done it without it.

The Walk:

At 8:00 am the race started. As we went through the start gate the weather subsided and the sun came out. The layers of clothing were coming off and it made for a more comfortable walk day. As the walk progressed we were followed by and met with volunteers who gave words of encouragement at every km mark. Drivers drove along the route beeping horns and dressed in costume. Always close by to lend a hand if needed. The walk was along some beautiful paths and riverways. I walked and walked reaching the 5,10 km markers. I grabbed nutritious snacks at all checkpoints. 1/2 banana and water. They had lots to choose from. I chose to keep it simple,enough to keep me nourished. My hubby met me here and there with words of encouragement and at the 12 km where we had lunch I was met by my two older boys and their girlfriends. Really made me feel appreciated. I kept on and at this time I was still feeling pretty good. I knew I had it in the bag to finish. 15km, 20 km where they had a hopscotch mapped out on the sidewalk for anyone who had extra energy and add a little humor. Now 5km to go. The whole walk I was reminded of why I was walking and what this walk meant to so many. It was an emotional journey for sure. I was on my own for much of the walk, I surpassed many as I kept a very steady pace. I can honestly say I was passing more than being passed. I don’t know how I did it but I left many in the dust.lol. Volunteers at each marker were full of encouragement. “So proud of you”, “Look how far you have come”,”Only 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 km to go”.Bystanders also yelling words of encouragement. WOW, What an amazing feeling. When I hit the 25km mark I stopped for a photo and went on through the finish line. Just before entering I decided I was going to end this with a bang and chose to run through. OMG! This was the most emotional moment. I did it! I was met by my hubby and also my One Walk coach who helped me get there. I gave them big hugs of thanks.

Did you know?

-1 in 4 people will hear the Dr tell them “you have cancer”

-1 in 9 Women will develop Breast Cancer, 1 in 30 will die.

–2,700 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

–24,400 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2014, representing nearly 13% of all new cancer cases in 2014.

—23,600 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among Canadian men. On average, 11 Canadian men die every day from prostate cancer.

–Nearly 4,300 Canadians are diagnosed with head and neck cancers every year. Men are three times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than women. Nearly 75% of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use.

All together they raised just under $1 Million dollars. That’s a big chunk going toward research to end cancer. Together “we” can make a difference. I am registered for next yr as I want to set a goal. I want to walk in in faster time as I ended up stopping for lunch longer than planned. I finished in the top 200 out of 500 or more. Next yr I want to finish in the top 100. If you wish to donate and help me reach my $1,500 fundraising goal please go to> My One Walk