Walking for Kids
When I was a young girl, I worked at a summer camp as a leader-in-training and ended up spending a lot of time with a child confined to a wheelchair. I immediately wanted to help Rachael fit in with the other able-bodied children. I helped her to participate in everything everyone else was working on and not to feel left out.
Later, when I was in public school, I met a boy who was also confined to a wheelchair. Stanley was part of the special education class, and every recess and lunch hour we would play together.
I was doing some shopping in Newmarket, Ont., one day almost 6 years ago, and I saw the brochure for a Walk-A-Thon being put on by Easter Seals Ontario, an organization that aims to create a better life for children and youth with physical disabilities. I was immediately hooked.
Now it is my healthy addiction to raise as much money for this wonderful organization as possible. On May 29, 2011, my son, Charlie, and I will yet again participate in the Run/Walk-a-thon that celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
Charlie, who will turn four-years-old in June, has been participating in this event almost as long as I have! On my second walk-a-thon, I was only a few weeks away from delivering Charlie. My dad had to push me in a wheelchair - I didn't want to deliver en route! Dad has come on the walk with me for a few years; last year, he participated as a clown. He is a professional clown named Smoothie.
It’s always fun walking with others who are out for the same great cause. People can run or walk the ten kilometres. I’ve never been a runner, but I can walk for miles. I am tired at the end, but I do enjoy the nice long jaunt.
At the end of the day, it’s more about raising money to support families of children with physical disabilities than a race. Charlie and I were the last two to arrive at the finish line last year, but we raised the most money ever: $3,500. We are hoping to raise $4,000 this year.
I am very fortunate to have a healthy son. It can cost an extra $40,000 per year to care for a child with a physical disability. This year I joined the organizing committee for the Walk-a-thon to be more involved. If you would like to learn more about Easter Seals Ontario, visit http://www.easterseals.org/ and for more on the event itself, and to sponsor Charlie and me, please visit http://www.persechinirun.org/.
Judy Brunton and family, Aurora, Ont.
Later, when I was in public school, I met a boy who was also confined to a wheelchair. Stanley was part of the special education class, and every recess and lunch hour we would play together.
I was doing some shopping in Newmarket, Ont., one day almost 6 years ago, and I saw the brochure for a Walk-A-Thon being put on by Easter Seals Ontario, an organization that aims to create a better life for children and youth with physical disabilities. I was immediately hooked.
Now it is my healthy addiction to raise as much money for this wonderful organization as possible. On May 29, 2011, my son, Charlie, and I will yet again participate in the Run/Walk-a-thon that celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
At the end of the day, it’s more about raising money to support families of children with physical disabilities than a race. Charlie and I were the last two to arrive at the finish line last year, but we raised the most money ever: $3,500. We are hoping to raise $4,000 this year.
I am very fortunate to have a healthy son. It can cost an extra $40,000 per year to care for a child with a physical disability. This year I joined the organizing committee for the Walk-a-thon to be more involved. If you would like to learn more about Easter Seals Ontario, visit http://www.easterseals.org/ and for more on the event itself, and to sponsor Charlie and me, please visit http://www.persechinirun.org/.
Judy Brunton and family, Aurora, Ont.
