As many of you will recall, two short years ago, I wrote to ask you to support me and a group of enthusiastic women in an endeavor to save Wellspring’s Cancer Exercise therapy program.  I am proud to say that through that effort our small rag tag group of women raised over $150,000 to ensure the exercise therapy program continued. 

In July of last year our inspiration, Kim Kearns Pace, lost her physical battle with the disease but we have not lost her inspiration and vision.  Having saved the program we now need to find it a home.  To that end, our group committed to fundraising to construct and equip the exercise room at Wellspring.  It will be a home for a program that has demonstrated success for those living with cancer.   

For those of you who are not familiar with the program, evidence has shown that exercise is an important tool in cancer treatment and rehab improving outcomes during and post treatment.  Medical professionals are increasingly prescribing exercise to cancer patients, and cancer patients are seeking out qualified fitness professionals to help them exercise safely.  Wellspring is a leader in the field of cancer rehabilitation.  Since 2009, Wellspring's Cancer Exercise program has supported over 800 cancer patients, guiding them in their cancer journey and recovery through the development of personalized exercise programs. 

So you may be asking yourself what I plan on doing as a fundraiser this time around…how do you top an Ironman?  How about an 8 day 1002 km cycle with 36,000 feet of elevation from Lake Louise AB to Whistler BC from September 2-11?  That's right 2 provinces and snow capped mountain passes and icefields. 

Not enough for you?  I will toss in a half centurion bike ride the weekend after I get back (that’s a 80km bike ride) in Collingwood Ontario.  Still not good enough to encourage you to click the “sponsor me” button …Okay I will throw in a half marathon in Montreal a week later!   

I will have a busy September but I truly believe in providing Wellsprings Cancer Exercise Program a home and I hope to inspire you to donate.  And with your support I know I can persevere through more than 1,103K. 

I truly appreciate any support you can offer as well as your best wishes. 

My deepest thanks. 

Irondames motto....Believe Inspire Persevere