Our story…
In memory of Jeff
My brother, Jeff, died in March 2019 from a rare form of cancer (Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Sarcoma). He was an amazing man.
To cope with losing Jeff, I began routinely jogging as a form of exercise after he passed. In October 2019, while jogging along the Hamilton escarpment, I saw a sign advertising a fundraising marathon for Wellwood Cancer Resource Centre. The sign said, "Help Kick Cancer's Butt."
I couldn't help but think that this was some sort of figurative 'sign' so I took it upon myself to run in the charity race. And I loved it.
Since then, I have made a point of participating in the run every year and continue raising funds for Wellwood to support those in our community living with cancer.
Participating in this event is therapeutic for me. Running and walking gives me the time and space to reflect on my memories of Jeff and remember what is truly important in life.
Carrying forward Jeff's Legacy
Through the incredible support I have received from family and friends over the years, this fundraising event has provided a way to carry forward Jeff's legacy.
Jeff's legacy was one of kindness, purpose, and love. He taught me how to be humble and measured in my actions. He showed me what it means to be a protector, a sibling, and a good man.
He was cherished by everyone who met him, and he left us all with an important lesson: family, friends, and love are the most important things one can have in this life.
I will be walking 6 kms in Jeff's memory
On Saturday, November 5th at 10 AM - the day after Jeff would have turned 31 - I will be walking 6 kms on the west mountain of Hamilton. I will walk by locations that defined Jeff's childhood, including our family home, Jeff's favourite golf course, and our elementary school.
Asking for your support
Any donation you are willing to make - big or small - will have a major impact.
If you feel inclined to donate, I would greatly appreciate the support.
Together, we can make a big difference.
Description
Cancer is already isolating. No one should have to go through it alone.
Even now that we are able to gather again, Wellwood has emerged as a hybrid of in-person and virtual offerings. This new direction allows Wellwood to meet the needs of those who are unable to come to our physical spaces – whether that is due to geography, mobility, caregiving responsibilities, feeling too unwell to travel, or even having made the decision to continue the practice of physical distancing for personal safety.
Thousands of people in our community are still living with cancer right now. Most face serious illness and many are immune compromised, which makes the current crisis all the more difficult to cope with and navigate.
They need our support now, more than ever.
Please, help us in our efforts to support Wellwood, by pledging toward my participation in their 24th Annual Walk/Run/Wheel.
Thank you for your support!
Team members
Click on one of our team members below to make a donation.
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Greg Iarusso
Raised: CA$884.08
Team captain
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 10 | Sarah, Mike & Kids | CA$269.32 |
| Oct 10 | Matt & Annie | CA$108.31 |
| Oct 08 | Janice and Ernie Coulson | CA$537.69 |
| Oct 07 | The Kelly’s | CA$215.65 |
| Oct 07 | Dave & Terri Iarusso | CA$537.69 |
| Sep 18 | Greg Iarusso | CA$108.31 |
