Boat Rally for Kids with Cancer
On July 27 and 28, Boat Rally for Kids with Cancer will hit the waters of Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau in support of SickKids and Camp Ooch. Now entering its 6th year, participants and celebrities will unite in the fight against children’s cancer, raising funds in support of paediatric cancer research, treatment and care.
After drafting a celebrity navigator on Friday evening, teams will embark on a Scavenger hunt on Saturday, travelling by boat to different pit stops to take part in fun activities and challenges. One of the pit stops Boat Rally teams will visit is the SickKids pit stop, where they will meet some inspiring SickKids kids and families.
One of the families that will greet participants at the SickKids pit stop is the Masson family. Participating for the 6th year, Boat Rally is a family affair for David, Linda and their son, Jamie. They even bring their dog, Mr. Darcy, who has become a hit with Boat Rally participants over the years.
“She was a strong advocate and supporter for the great care and medical treatment she received at SickKids,” said her mom, Linda. “She was willing to do what she could to help raise awareness about the hospital that was doing so much for her.”
In July 2011, Mackenzie’s cancer went into remission. In early 2012, Mackenzie was re-admitted to SickKids. After an eight-month fight, which included a bone marrow transplant, Mackenzie passed away on October 16, 2012.
“Through Boat Rally, we are honoured to be able to share our family’s story; of our daughter Mackenzie’s cancer journey and the exceptional care she received."
The family has had a wonderful experience at Boat Rally over the years. And for Jamie, a huge hockey fan, having the opportunity to meet some of his hockey heroes, like P.K. Subban, at the event is an extra-special bonus.
“Jamie has fond memories of playing a giant game of Foosball against P.K. and painting a caricature of him,” said David.
Beyond getting the chance to represent SickKids along with other families and take part in the fun activities throughout the day, the Massons really enjoy meeting each of the participants who take part in the challenges at the SickKids pit stop.
“The donors … the ones who are raising so much money to take part in this great event … they are beautiful people to meet and connect with,” said David. “Every Boat Rally supporter and participant has a personal reason for taking part in the event. It is a privilege to meet them, to hear their stories, and connect with them by sharing in some fun activities and memories.”
As a family, the Massons believe it is important to give back, and to do what they can to help spread the word about the great work that SickKids is doing for children and families.
“When our daughter underwent cancer treatment at SickKids, she was a direct beneficiary of decades of cancer research, and years of fundraising that made her level of care and treatment possible,” said David. “I remember standing in the middle of the 8th floor bridge realizing that we can have confidence, and hope, because of all those who had the vision years before our family received the life-changing news that Mackenzie had cancer. We want to continue to do what we can to help raise funds for the future of SickKids, so children who have yet to hear the life-altering news can have hope too.”
For families like the Massons, thank you to everyone who has supported Boat Rally for Kids with Cancer over the years. Thank you for joining the fight for children’s health.
