The Journey to Conquer Cancer walk on Sunday, June 23 was a brilliant success! In terms of numbers, here is the breakdown:
- Over $1 million dollars raised for cancer research ($441,662 raised by Multiple Myeloma supporters)
- 2,200 walkers (600 walkers for Multiple Myeloma)
- Munira’s Team raised $18,936!
- Participating in a good cause: Priceless!
On a personal note, I walked 2 kilometres! This was a huge accomplishment for me because I was too weak to walk more than a few steps last year, and had to watch the Walk from the sidelines. I am already setting my sight to next year’s walk when I hope to walk 5 kilometres! My friend Roma, another Multiple Myeloma colleague, ran the 5 kilometres, and has challenged me to do the same next year. All in good time!
And then there was the Spirit Squad, part of “Munira’s Team”‘. 30 brilliant people that showed up at 7.30 in the morning. They set up shop along the route and energized and inspired the walkers. They used noisemakers, bubbles, Hawaiian skirts, pompoms, inspirational signs and fun gadgets to spread joy. Each brought their own personality into play. They were the “funnest” and loudest part of the walk. They kept going on and on like energizer bunnies, without missing a beat, for 3 plus hours. And the crowd responded in kind. Serious walkers turned into playful walkers for a while. Each Cheer Squad member wore a t-shirt that said “When you Choose Hope, anything is possible.” The pictures tell the story!
One of the Cheer Squad members was my friend Ginger and her family – Maggie, Camille and Craig. Maggie and Camille, delightful kids, asked their mum, “Do you like Myeloma?” And Ginger responded, “Not really”. Not to be deterred, they persisted, “Is Myeloma your friend?”. And “I think “Myeloma” is pretty.” That’s when it occurred to Ginger that they thought my name was “Myeloma”. From the mouth of babes…….
Today my heart is so full. It is bursting with bright colours, hearty laughter and pure happiness. It is very hard for me and my family to fundraise. But we got out of our comfort zone and made the plea. The response was overwhelming. Because of your generosity, “Munira’s Team” made it in the top 10 fundraising teams and was part of the million-dollar cheque presentation to Princess Margaret Hospital.
On behalf of all cancer patients, thank you for giving us hope, for helping us believe that a cure will be found and for showing us that we matter. For the “Munira’s Team” Walkers and Spirit Squad, thank you for making a tremendous difference at the Walk. I am so proud to be associated with you. You guys rock!
Today I know what Buddha meant when he said, “If you knew how perfect things are, you would tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.” Today I encourage you to look at all that is beautiful in your life, tilt your head back and give thanks for the sheer gift of being alive!
With gratitude and wonder,
Munira
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