As William Arthur Ward once said: "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
The IWK 5K - In Memory of Jessica is my way of expressing gratitude for the kindness and love we received from the staff at the IWK 3 years ago. As I walked through the halls today putting posters up for this year's event, I stopped in the Ronald McDonald family room. I remember too easily what it felt like sitting there worried every day. Worried and stressed hoping my babies were going to be ok. All I could really do is HOPE and pray that someone above was taking care of them, and that someone inside the NICU would fix all of their problems and that they would get through another day without to many downs, hoping I could hold them that day, and hoping that I could take them home with me someday...Someday never comes.
Although I would have preferred to be anywhere then the NICU at the time...I also can't imagine being cared for anywhere else. The care we received at the IWK...I will remember for the rest of my life. Our primary nurses touched our hearts, and I will ALWAYS be grateful for them for loving my girls like their own, and supporting us along the way.
I truly believe that it takes someone really special to work at this hospital. The staff go above and beyond their duties to be there for the patients and their families... And I am so grateful that this hospital is in my city.
"The IWK Health Centre Foundation exists to ensure patients receive excellent care, both inside the IWK and in their home communities, by funding the equipment, programs, and people that government does not."
The IWK 5K - In Memory of Jessica means SO much to me, for so many reasons. This event lets me be open about losing my daughter. Jessica passed away June 12, 2008, and every year around this time, I feel the ache, the hole...and always requestion whether or not we gave up too soon. Whether or not we made the right decision. But this event helps. Running also helps, so it helps me to see other people get as much enjoyment out of running as I do. It helps to be busy, it helps to do something for someone else. And it helps to have so many family and friends support the event. Although every year I hope to recruit more people who have a connection to the hospital...I must say, last year it was such an overwhelming amazing feeling to look out towards the hundred participants, and know almost every one of them. Last year we raised $4300 thanks to everyone who took part, and I'm hoping for even more this year.
The IWK is a highly specialized Maritime hospital for children, women and youth. 3 years ago, I never thought we would need this hospital as much as we did. You never know, when you or someone you know may need the IWK services.
Please come run or walk with us, June 5th, 2011 at DeWolfe Park in Bedford, NS, and feel good about yourself for exercising, and feel great that you are helping to make a child's experience at the IWK more comfortable and less invasive by helping to provide the best medical care, and helping to purchase necessary equipment that the government doesn't fund.
All proceeds after race cost (which are very minimal thanks to our sponsors), will be given to the IWK. So if you give every year anyways, come join us and have some fun by taking part in the event, or if you are away and would like to donate, please follow the attached link: https://www.giving.runningroom.com/hm/index.php?sub=3&charity=271&id=A2BSYVU3VTY%3D&enuserId=UjBQYgNgVTpSPFFj&item=8
The direct link for registration is here: http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=6485
Every donation makes a difference, please help support this year's IWK 5K - In Memory of Jessica.
"With you, Anything is Possible" - IWK Health Centre Foundation Motto
Special thanks to this year's sponsors: Coconut Creek, The Medicine Shop, Quad Graphics, Oaklawn Farm Zoo, Serenity Spa, Brewdebaker's, Swiss Chalet, Jack Astor's, Aplaydia, Subway, Atlantic Superstore, Irving, Worr Construction, Kent Building Supplies, The Great Canadian Bagel, Daisy Doo's hairclips, Home Hardware.
