The quote above is written over top of my cousin's family's kitchen table. His wife explained that they instill in their children that they are fortunate to have the life they have so they should give to others that are less fortunate. I found this incredibly inspiring.

When I first decided to set the goal to walk 5km, it was to push myself. My stubbornness would motivate me to give everything I had to achieve this goal. I want to show people that anything can happen if you put your mind to it. This extends beyond personal achievements. What can all of us do if we put our efforts into something. What can we do as a community to help others. If I can walk 5km...why can't we come up with a cure for cancer. If I didn't believe I could walk 5km, I would never even try. If we don't believe we can cure cancer, will we?

Some people think it's unfair that I was born with Cerebral Palsy. I don't see it this way. I see that I'm fortunate to have an awesome wife, I'm fortunate to have been able to go to University and have an awesome career, I'm fortunate that I have the career that has allowed me to work with so many awesome people. This career has allowed me to afford to pay for personal training to have shed 60 lbs and gave way to a healthier life. Although my wife and I have to make trade offs & sacrifices to pay for training for me 3 times a week...I'm still fortunate. I'm fortunate enough to be in shape to attempt to walk 5km. I'm fortunate enough to honour Terry Fox and raise money for cancer.

A number of people have asked me why I am doing a fundraiser for cancer as opposed to cerebral palsy. That is a great question. I believe that people need to look outside of their struggles and situation to help others with their struggles and situation… I want to help others that suffer from this disease and the families that support them. Secondly, Terry Fox has always been a hero of mine, living a life to the fullest under extremely challenging circumstances.

A lot of people in my life suffer from cancer. My uncle passed away from cancer a few years ago. I have another uncle that is battling 3 types of cancer. I have friends & coworkers living with this disease. These people are the real fighters, going through real hardships.

As a child, I spent a lot of time in the hospitals having surgery after surgery. I would always think to myself that when I get past all the surgeries that I would live my life to the fullest. I owe it to my awesome parents that have made a lot of sacrifices, my wife, friends and family, and charities and organizations who have all helped me have this awesome life. It's my time to give back. This is my devotion.

Stubbornness is what started me to set this goal in the first place, to push myself physically. Devotion to helping others have inspired me to push through tough times to achieve this so I can help others. There is a thin line between stubbornness and devotion...and I find myself bouncing between the two sides throughout this journey. In the spirit of the quote on my cousin's wall above their kitchen table...I've been given so much, I too must give...

The Journey Continues

Join the journey by making a donation to the Terry Fox run: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=2329392#&panel1-5