The Chemo Ninjas: helping #EndKidsCancer
They want to help #EndKidsCancer. It is a goal they focus on daily through their care of patients on Ward 8A – Haematology/Oncology – at SickKids. It is also a challenge they have chosen to take on outside of work through their participation in The Sears Great Canadian Run.They are the Chemo Ninjas.
“My colleague, Kirsten, and I had been talking about finding a fun physical challenge that we could do together as a unit. When I told her about this run, it became very evident this was the perfect event for us to take part in.”
Kirsten and Angele began reaching out to coworkers who they knew enjoyed running to help build a team to take part in The Sears Great Canadian Run. Before they knew it, their team had grown substantially!
“By the time our team was set, we had 21 people signed up – everyone from newbies to seasoned runners ready to take part,” said Angele.
Given their varied work schedules, most team members trained separately for the big day. Those who lived downtown would often run to and from work. The goal was to “train like ninjas” all summer to be ready for the run in September.
On September 20, 2014, the team gathered bright and early in Caledon to begin their journey to Blue Mountain Village. Dressed in their Chemo Ninjas t-shirts, the team was ready to take on the 100 km journey in support of national paediatric oncology research and care at SickKids.
“My favourite memory from that run was when we all crossed the finish line as a team"
“My favourite memory from that run was when we all crossed the finish line as a team,” said Angele. “Some of our runners ran incredibly difficult legs, some ran their personal best, some pushed through their own pain and challenges. But we all finished as a team.”
As the team crossed the finish line, they knew they had accomplished their goal. They had raised $16,830 while also building lifelong memories. It was a moment that the Chemo Ninjas would never forget.
This year, the Chemo Ninjas will once again take part in the run, but this time in Ottawa.
“Our colleague is getting married the day of the Toronto to Blue Mountain run,” said Angele. “In order for everyone to be able to participate, we decided to take part in the Ottawa run this year. We are really excited to not only take on the challenge of a new course (running from Ottawa to Montebello), but to also enjoy a different team bonding experience as we carpool together to Ottawa. We are looking forward to once again crossing the finish line together.”
Help the Chemo Ninjas in their bid to help #EndKidsCancer by donating to their Ottawa run.
Interested in taking on the challenge yourself? This year’s Toronto to Blue Mountain run will take place on Saturday, September 12. All the details for the run can be found at http://searsgreatcanadianrun.com/toronto-home/
To everyone who is supporting SickKids in the Toronto to Blue Mountain Run, and of course to our Chemo Ninjas in Ottawa, we want to say thank you (and good luck!)!!!
