An inaugural Rain Walk celebrates our liquid sunshine and promotes being active year round, in support of raising funds and awareness InspireHealth supportive cancer care in Oak Bay.
The inaugural Victoria walk is slated for Willows Park on March 12. The Vancouver InspireHealth Rain Walk raised $72,000 last year. They’ve introduced Victoria and Kelowna events this year.
“We’re hoping to have 100 people participating,” said Amber Baker, Vancouver Island clinical director and nutritionist. “Our goal is to raise $50,000 in Victoria this year and organization-wide $165,0000.”
The event is the major fundraiser for programs and classes at the supportive care cancer centre that offers free services for anyone diagnosed with cancer.
Member Lori Allan-Nichol happened upon InspireHealth Oak Bay while out for a walk in 2013.
“I had recently been diagnosed with cancer and the sign in their window which read Integrative Cancer Care caught my eye,” Allan-Nichol said. “InspireHealth has empowered me by giving me the tools and confidence to make a difference to my health and well-being.”
She attended the two-day LIFE program which introduced her to supportive cancer care and offered an overview of all that InspireHealth has to offer.
“They have provided me with practical information and personalized support,” Allan-Nichol said. “I have learned ways to improve my lifestyle by incorporating healthier cooking, exercise and stress reduction. I find that all InspireHealth services, programs and classes are offered by a caring, encouraging and welcoming team.”
Pat Pearce came to the organization in January facing two cancers – breast and bladder. She learned about InspireHealth from a friend of a friend and thought “this sounds like at the place to go to look out for the rest of me.”
“They’re so passionate about what they’re doing. It’s about getting past the cancer and having a life,” Pearce said.
She particularly enjoys the art program, and again, the two-day program she attended with her husband, for cancer patients and their supports.
“There are so many aspects to ‘keep the beast at bay’ as I say, and that’s what these folks do here,” Pearce said. “It gives you an opportunity to regain your health and become healthier than you were before.”
Partially funded through the Ministry of Health, InspireHealth courses cover exercise, nutrition, stress reduction and support group programs.
“I trust they have the up-to-date research. I can get information here without all that clutter that comes with it on the internet,” Pearce said.
She plans to participate in the walk March 12 at Willows Park.
“I really want to support this place. We are so fortunate to be one of three communities to have this. It’s for all people with all cancers no matter where they are in the ir journey,” Pearce said. “They’re here because the want to be here. And they’re passionate about what they do. They’re just here to support.”
Early bird registration before the end of February is $30 (regular $40) or premium registration $50 (regular $70) includes a custom InspireHealth umbrella.
“It’s the one day a year I wish for rain,” Baker said.
Visit inspirehealth.ca/rainwalk to register.