“The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose.” -Charles Dickens
Yesterday was day 55 and the wrap-up to my ‘Strive to Thrive 55’ fundraiser for Parkinson Canada. The goal was to walk 5km a day for 55 days (275km), raise $555, and build awareness of living with PD.
I walked 285km total and raised $2655! Although I had to miss a couple of days to listen to my body, I made up the km on days when everything was working! And that is the reality of Parkinson’s disease – some days are good and other days you find yourself sidelined.
The support that I received from family and friends was so appreciated and truly unforgetable. Words of encouragement and company along the walks made this challenge both doable and fun!
The generosity of your donations was overwhelming;
- Thank you to my Ottawa family, childhood friends, and classmates going back as far as Kindergarten through to high school! Seeing your names pop up brought back priceless memories and reminded me of how lucky I am to have made lifelong connections with the best people! Thank you so much.
- Thank you to all of my Barrie friends from Crompton Drive, my OG girls, and colleagues and students from SJP II, MCL, OLG, and SMO who have been a part of the last 29 years and have been there through the thick of it during the last 5 years. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!
- Thank you to the friends of friends that I have made along the way too. Kindness can come in the most unexpected places. 🙂
- And thank you to Garth & my boys, my parents, and my sisters. Either face to face or through phone calls & texts, you all help me deal with the day to day of what Parkinson’s dishes out and having you in my corner makes all of the difference in the world. Thank you just isn’t enough.
The last 55 days brought rain, snow, hail, heat, wind, and cold. Luckily, I finished just in time to avoid the forest-fire air-quality issues!
Today, I will take the day off.
Tomorrow, I will invest in a new pair of sneakers!
Pondering PD 
An amazing accomplishment! Funny to think about all the various weather conditions, yet you still still laced up! You continue to inspire me. I look forward to your next update. Enjoy your new runners! Your feet, legs, hips will love you!
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We were really impressed with your “That’s a Wrap!”. Your Friends,which you understandably have many, other Family and neighbours will appreciate your comments and you can now say”I did it”. All will realize your effort and determination in the support of Parkinsons. Undoubtedly Garth,and the Boys will always support you to the fullest and you all make a great team in this fight! We have always been proud of you in your acceptance of the PD diagnosis and your willingness to give full support towards finding a Cure and advancements in treatment options.
You make us very “Proud” and be assured we will always be there for you.
Love
Mom and Dad
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Dear Carla:
Congratulations on surpassing your fundraising goal which carried with it many other goals that you met on a daily basis! Thank you for inviting us along on your 55 day journey! I’m truly at a loss for words to express how much you inspire and amaze me with your positivity, honesty, and resilience! You did more than raise money! You raised awareness! I wish I could have been there to walk with you! You have the support and love of so many …. So lucky to call you my sister!
Love you to the moon and back! Kim & Mike & Family xo
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Congratulations on completing your 55 day fundraising walk for Parkinsons! I am in awe of your accomplishment! Your dedication and commitment to Parkinson’s awareness and advocacy is truly inspirational! I admire your strength, perseverance, resilience and positivity. I will forever be in your “Circle of Support”. Sending you lots of love. Love Cathie, Mike and Family xoxo
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