(Main photo: Dana Gildon-Cormier, her 17-year-old daughter Paige along with Dale Clark, vice-president of Cameco Fuel Services Division
Organizers are thrilled after approximately $50,000 was raised in the five kilometre fun run/walk Cameco Step Up for Mental Health on Saturday, May 13, 2023 in Cobourg.
Approximately 600 people were registered for the event that started at 8:30 a.m. and headed through the streets of historic Cobourg on a beautiful Saturday morning.
Hundreds of people, parents with strollers, emergency services including police, firefighters and paramedics along with politicians took part for a common theme – to raise funds for mental health.
Every dollar of the entry fee, plus a matching amount from Cameco, supports the Cameco Fund for Mental Health (established through the Saskatoon Community Foundation). These funds are disbursed annually to organizations undertaking projects that promote or support mental health in Northumberland County and area.
Some of the firefighters even wore their bunker gear and a few wore breathing apparatus for the five kilometre run/walk.
Dale Clark, vice-president of Cameco Fuel Services Division, was one of the individuals who wore bunker gear for the run.
“It’s a way of saying “thank you” and recognizing the work that first responders do. I’ll get a little taste of how hard that can be.”
Clark crossed the finish line with a smile and was presented a participation medal by Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf.
Clark said it’s importation to note that, “all of the money raised goes to local organizations, local programs to help make a difference.”
Some of the participants crossed the with their arms in the air for victory. Others took a more relaxed mode. But all had smiles on their faces.
But for a Peterborough mother who watched her 17-year-old daughter cross the finish line it was tears of joy and pride for another reason.
When Dana Gildon-Cormier crossed the finish line she turned to watch her and daughter Paige cross and tears started for the super proud mom.
Speaking a short time after, Cormier said it was her daughters first run and something that may not have happened if not for her daughter’s strength, determination and hard work.
“I’m just so proud of her,” as mom and daughter broke down in tears and embraced.
Paige struggles with anxiety and depression and has a host of cardiac issues.
Mom shared that Paige has roughly 50/50 odds of living to age of 30, the anxiety and depression are understandable.”
“She’s trained so hard and putting herself out there. She’s done so well – I’m so proud of her.”
“She committed to training for this run and finished it.”
On the back of both shirts the mother and daughter were wearing it said:
“Dear person behind me,
The world is a better place with you in it,
Lots of Love”
On the front it said, “You are Enough”
Clark was honoured to meet Paige and her mother after the run.
“Paige is a great example for all of us with her courage to try something new and work hard at it to overcome the challenges and accomplish something great. We do these events for people like Paige, and it makes it all worthwhile.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
