Help Jonathan raise money

Three years ago, I never imagined that running my first half marathon in honour of my dad for Father’s Day would become such a meaningful part of my life.

This year, I’m running my third half marathon to continue raising money and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society, in honour of my family and everyone whose lives have been affected by cancer.

My connection to this cause is very personal. Five years ago, I lost my grandpa to prostate cancer and its associated complications. He was the one who took the risk of immigrating to Canada so that our family could have a better future here. Losing him is something I continue to carry with me, especially because it happened during the height of COVID-19, when I never had the chance to properly say goodbye.

Then, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Watching someone who has always been one of the strongest and most encouraging people in my life face cancer has been difficult. Thankfully, through early detection, awareness, and treatment, he has been able to take steps toward staying healthy for the long term.

And now, my family is facing another difficult chapter as my mom fights breast cancer. She too has undergone treatment in the hope of keeping cancer away for good. My mom has one of the kindest souls I know and is always looking for ways to help everyone around her.

Seeing both of my parents go through their own battles with cancer has given this cause an even deeper meaning for me. Cancer is no longer something that feels distant; it has affected the people I care about most.

Over the past two years, with the incredible generosity of friends, family, and everyone who has supported me on this journey, we have raised over $5,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. I’m incredibly grateful for every donation and every person who has supported, encouraged, and helped me along the way.

What started as one race for my dad has now become something much bigger. Running has become a huge part of my life. It is a way to challenge myself, stay grateful for my health, and turn something I love into an opportunity to help others affected by cancer.

As I take on my third half marathon, I want to keep that momentum going. I’m running for my grandpa’s memory, for my dad and my mom’s continued health and fight, and for everyone else whose lives have been affected by this disease.

My goal is to continue raising awareness and funds for cancer research, support, and care through the Canadian Cancer Society. Both prostate and breast cancer have had a profound impact on my family, and this experience has reminded me just how important awareness, screening, and early detection can be. If you have a family history of cancer, please talk to your doctor about your personal risk and whether earlier or more frequent screening may be appropriate for you.

Every donation, no matter the size, means so much to me and my family. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping me turn every kilometre into something bigger than myself.

For Dad. For Mom. For Grandpa. For everyone affected by cancer ❤️