Challenge aims to bring about awareness of cancer

When Mary Hall was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, she and her family were devastated.

“You find you go through so many emotions,” said Katie Hall, Mary’s oldest daughter.

“You find you’re scared, angry and then desperate. You really face the unknown because you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Rather then sit back as their mother battled cancer, the Hall children — Katie, 22, Nicholas, 19, Thomas, 18, and Alison, 16 — banded together to do something about the insidious disease.

They sent a proposal to CancerCare Manitoba, asking for support with a fundraising drive geared to all cancers.

CancerCare liked the idea, called Challenge for Life, and, over a 10-month period, that proposal has evolved into a 20-km walk to be held Sept. 27 in Assiniboine Park.

All money raised will go towards programs, treatments and research at CancerCare Manitoba.

“Unlike previous events, close to 100% of the funds we raise will go towards the cause,” Thomas Hall said.

Katie said Challenge for Life is really an opportunity to learn to live more actively, to achieve goals and to change lives.

Those who participate will be asked to set two goals: a personal health-and-fitness goal and a fundraising goal.

“Last year we raised $25,000,” Katie said.

“And this year we really want to beat that number.”

By setting a health goal, Katie said participants can reduce the risk of getting cancer by being tobacco-free, eating well, shaping-up, covering up and getting regular checkups.

Participants will focus on achieving these goals from April to September and will celebrate their success with the September walk, she said.

During the months leading up to the walk, Thomas said participants can participate in some of the many workshops that will be held.

“There’ll be yoga in the park and various meetings to help keep you on-track. There’s going to be a lot of support for everybody,” he said.

“And you can sign up on as an individual or as a team.”

Now cancer-free, Mary Hall was not surprised when her children began their huge undertaking.

“It’s something I’ve come to expect from them. As with most things, my children embraced this with passion.”

The support and compassion they received from others also made the Halls want to give back to their community.

“If you know someone with cancer, be as supportive as possible,” said Alison.

“And spend as much time with them as you can. Help turn that negative experience into a positive one.”

For more information on the Halls’ fundraising effort, visit challengeforlife.ca