My name is Kathryn, I have been married to Derek for 14 years and have three beautiful children, Kaitlyn age 12, Kyla age 9, and Kampbell age 7. Our family has been truly blessed with health and we enjoy being physically active daily. Derek and I have had the privilege of participating in 3 Ironman Triathlons in the last 4 years so we do enjoy physical challenges.
I first heard about the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride while sitting in the opening ceremonies at the Canfitpro conference in Toronto in 2009. One of the girls that worked in the Canfitpro office had decided to take on this journey. I cried and cried as I listened. I cried because even though I didn’t know her, I was so proud of her mission. I cried because I thought of my lovely children and the heartache I would feel if they became ill with this disease. I cried for every parent that has ever felt such pain. And I cried for all the children who have had to endure the evilness of Cancer. I knew that someday I was going to take on this journey. It is my time.
I am preparing and training to ride across Canada starting on September 7th and ending on September 22nd, 16 life changing days. For me, it isn’t about the ride but the impact of our actions. We are just a small part of a much bigger goal, bringing childhood cancer to the forefront of everyone’s minds in hopes that maybe one day, one less parent will suffer such heartache, and one more child can hear the words “you are cancer free”.
100% of all monies raised will go to a variety of charities that support kids with cancer. One opportunity that excites me most is for those children that will be able to go to a summer camp where they can just be kids, not kids living with cancer.
At any given time, cancer holds 10,000 Canadian children in its grip. It robs them, and their families, of the laughter and joy that should be part of every childhood. Riding in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride will channel my physical, mental and emotional energy into something much greater – helping brave children return to life as regular kids again.
The part of the journey that I am excited about is the opportunity to meet, talk and interact with several children and their families who live with this disease on a daily basis, to listen to them speak on how cancer has impacted their lives to see their courage, to learn from them.
It is our responsibility as citizens of the world to give back in any way we can. Be creative and find a way that works for you to make a contribution to a cause. This is my contribution. I endure physical challenges to be a good role model to my children so they know they can do anything they set their mind to. So they can be proud of their mommy for helping make a difference. So they can realize ways to make a positive contribution to society. Fight for a cause.
I will be blogging about my training and the ride itself to keep everyone up to date my progress, I truly appreciate all the support and encouragement that I have received and continued to receive from my family and friends.
Thanks so much
Kathryn