Every step that is taken..no matter how difficult..is a step towards a cure.
Photo - by - James Helmer
On March 26, 2006; I began a journey across Canada to promote cancer prevention, research and awareness. On August 15, 2007; I ended a walk of 11 421 kilometres after taking over 15 million steps from where it began. With each and every single step I took, I hoped to make an impact on cancer and the many many Canadians that will be affected by this disease.
I shared in conversations with thousands of Canadians and was inspired as our words impacted each other.
On April 30, 2009; I will continue the conversations and once again set my objectives on making an impact. I will set out from Calgary and attempt a round trip across Canada; this time by bicycle.
My theme of the 2006-2007 tour was " Every Step That Is Taken, Is A Step Towards A Cure ".
It still is.
On the shore of Vancouver May 7, 2009.
There I am in Halifax June 18, 2009. Over 7000 km biked. Many more to go. By the way. The belly above is gone. I am down from 200lbs to 178lbs. That is the weight I was on the walk. My ideal weight.
My first step led to 15 million steps. I steped on the pedals of a bike this year, all to promote and encourage prevention through motion. Like asking folks to put down their cigarettes and pick up running shoes.
I also very much want to support research to help the estimated *171 000 Canadians that will be diagnosed with cancer this year and the millions upon millions of people around the world. * I got this information from some folks that did their research. Other research has found almost 1 in 2 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime. Odds that I am out to change and beat.
I want to focus our sights on awareness. Spreading awareness that exercising, eating healthy and reducing stress all contribute to lowering the odds of cancer impacting you. Be aware that supporting research for development of breakthroughs and better treatment for cancer patients must also stay within our focus. All in all reducing the impact cancer makes on us and increasing the impact we make on cancer through the steps we take together.
This sums up the drive to increase prevention, research and awareness as a means in conquering cancer.
I would like to invite you into this conversation and join me on my journey.
The map above displays the route I will follow, across Canada by bicycle. You will be able to track my location, as I travel, as it happens by clicking on the map above. It will be placing my location on the map every 10 to 20 minutes, with a GPS tracking device, within the hours I am out on the road each day. I would welcome you to follow me and invite you to come out and join me as I enter your community.
I hope you will follow my journey and I hope to see you soon.
P.S.--- Any food, water or shelter would be a great help on this journey for me.
