Community Double Header - From Wheezing to Skiing

This weekend it was on - Winter Wheezer hosting Saturday, Breast Buddy fundraising Sunday and Monday. How did I find myself in this predicament? Let's just say I turned off the "I'm too busy" excuse and stepped it up to get behind two events that mean a lot to me.

Rebecca, Abi and myself at the finish line
The Winter Wheezer was a no brainer - after running the Tears & Gears Abi and I thought why not get people out and active during the long, winter months? Give everyone something to work towards? Next thing you know, the Winter Wheezer was born and 44 people are signed up to snowshoe/run and Nordic Ski their Saturday morning away. No problem, right? Abi and I often forget all that goes into organizing and preparing for these events, which is not surprising as as soon as we experience the smiles, laughs, tears and energy of those involved the work and stress melt away. Imagine a father proudly patting his son on the back prior to taking off on his own leg of a race. A friend encouraging her teammate as she pushes her way to the finish line. A 12 year old girl asking where her partner is, and beaming once she sees him come around the corner. And a teary mom-to-be crossing the finish line and receiving the biggest cheers of the day.

Five months pregnant, Katya crosses the finish line after competing solo and receives huge cheers from the crowd!

Who doesn't have time for that? Thanks to all the racers, volunteers, Fernie Trails Alliance, Nordic Society and Island Lake - we couldn't have done it without you. And to the amazingly supportive businesses in our community:

The Gear Hub
Straightline
The Bridge Bistro
Essential Yoga Studio
B2
Vitality Mind & Body
Crowsnest Coffee
The Fernie Tea & Coffee House
Loaf
Big Bang Bagels
Freshies
Evolution Health and Fitness
Claris Media
Fernie Brewing Company

Norma and I skiing The Peak at Fernie Alpine Resort!
While putting together the February edition of the Fix, I interviewed Stephanie Roger whom was organizing the Breast Buddy fundraiser for the Clear View Campaign, which is raising money to purchase a Digital Mammography Machine for our regional hospital in Cranbrook. After learning about the initiative, I couldn't not sign up. Breast Cancer runs in my family, and like many women in our community my mom and her friend Norma travel yearly to Calgary or Lethbridge for their examinations as the mammography machine in Cranbrook doesn’t provide a ‘clear view’. As a Breast Buddy, we asked for pledges to ski or board two of three days between February 4-6. Norma had signed up as a Breast Buddy as well (raising over $1400) and we had the best time skiing together, raising awareness and funds for this campaign.

I’m still tallying my final number (and accepting pledges up until this Thursday) but will post the final results of this event once they're announced this coming weekend. Congrats to the many that got involved, whether by pledging or skiing/boarding, for this event. And big thanks to Fernie Alpine Resort for helping this event take place!

It's events like these that truly set our community apart as they showcase the amazing spirit of Fernie residents. We may feel stretched for time and energy from time to time, but somehow getting involved makes us feel richer in both areas.