What started as a grassroots community campaign more than 10 years ago, has transformed into a multi-million dollar event.
As Meagan’s Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope celebrated its 10th anniversary, Denise Bebenek, founder and Chief Mom of the event, announced that funds from this year’s Mother’s Day Walk have boosted the total amount raised for SickKids to more than $2.5 million.
This year, on May 8, more than 3,000 people joined Denise to participate in the five-kilometre Walk, which began at Ontario Place and ended with participants joining hands and forming a human ‘hug’ around SickKids. Patient and families from inside the Hospital lined the windows and waved to walkers as they accepted the hug.
In celebration of the 10-year journey, Cynthia Dale, a Canadian performer, narrated the evolution of Meagan’s Walk. Moms who spent Mother’s Day in Hospital with their children were honoured with hugs, flowers and gifts at a specially designated area called “Mother’s Way.”
Celebrities on-hand to kick-off the Walk, presented by Swarovski, included event emcee and 99.9 Virgin Radio host Adam Wylde, members of the Toronto Argonauts, Sheila McCarthy, Colin Mochrie, Deb McGrath and Kim Stockwood.
Megan’s Walk was named after Denise’s daughter, Meagan Bebenek, who died just after her fifth birthday from an inoperable brain tumour. The Walk honours Meagan’s memory, increases awareness of the devastating effects of paediatric brain tumours and gives hope to families affected by this cancer.
Proceeds from Meagan’s Walk activities over the past decade have supported research projects and programs at SickKids, which has the only laboratory dedicated to paediatric brain tumour research in Canada.