PEI tip to tip run.

Fin : 31 mai 2022

This May, I’ll be running across PEI – from tip to tip – in honour of my godson and nephew, Austin, and in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Atlantic. I'll be starting May 13th at the western tip of the Island, following the Confederation Trail east. I plan to run 70km per day to arrive at East Point, my final destination, on May 16th. And, I could use your support! Austin was a quiet boy with a mischievous grin. He loved hearing “Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed” and singing “Baby Shark. He was 22 months old was rushed to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, on March 2nd, 2019. His family had been watching a Saturday morning movie and he was eating popcorn. Despite his parents urging, he was eating really quickly, and the popcorn collected in his throat and blocked his airway. He began choking and things quickly went downhill from there. My wife and I were living on PEI when we got the call. The feeling that stands out the most is utter hopelessness. We quickly hit the road and headed for the hospital in Halifax, where we saw him hooked up to what seemed like so many machines. It absolutely destroyed me. There was nothing we could do, except pray and hope that he would be ok. Tragically, Austin passed away eight days later, on March 10th. Throughout this challenging time we relayed on our faith in Jesus Christ for strength, we were always able to feel his presence and the strength He gave all of us from day to day. Even though Austin passed away we have an great assurance through the resurrected Christ that we will see him again. 1Thessalonians 4:13,14 13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. And, it was during this experience that I learned about the Ronald McDonald House in Halifax. I had heard from various people the how great this charity was, however, I didn’t fully appreciate the services and crucial support they provide until I experienced it first-hand. The best thing about the “House” was being able to arrive with no questions asked, and for our family and friends to be given the time and space we needed to focus on being present and available for each other. It was helpful to know that if anything was forgotten while rushing to the hospital, that it was readily available. There wasn’t any added stress of going to a store in a new city for necessities. It was a small but very helpful relief for families like mine who were going through very tough times. And that’s why it’s for Austin and for RMHC Atlantic that I’m running across PEI, tip-to-tip. I’ve always wanted to run the island. With the confederation trail covering all but 7km of the province, it’s built to be run. In 2020, I did a charity run for the Canadian Cancer Society, which I’d participated in with others in memory of a runner who was tragically hit and killed by a drunk driver. While the run was an emotional experience, seeing the financial impact we could have as a community got me interested in finding more opportunities to fundraise for causes that were important to me. Then, when I heard about the new Ronald McDonald house being built, I thought it would be a great way to honour my nephew while raising money for a great cause. As Austin’s godfather, I feel it’s my duty to do something for him – to honour him, and to make impact on his behalf and in his memory. I’m looking forward to pushing my limits and seeing what I’m capable of – both on the road, and as a fundraiser. Looking forward to pushing long past the point of exhaustion! Thanks for your support!