I really feel like MitoCanada is on the cusp of making some huge steps in the coming year on so many fronts. We really seem to be reaching a lot of people and word is definitely spreading thanks to so many people who have gotten on board to support and raise the much-needed awareness for this great cause. I am so inspired by some of the recent happenings!
I would venture to say that almost daily I am getting an email from someone who wants to get involved and support MitoCanada. Kyle’s efforts on the ‘Team MitoCanada initiative have been nothing short of monumental, and the launch has now expanded to include Team Captains for each sport.
Kids and giving – Another cool story shared through my co-worker James (from Edmonton) who was telling Sarah and I that his kid was at a birthday party where in lieu of gifts, the birthday boy asked people to give money that he would donate to MitoCanada. On a separate note, Evan was recently invited to Matthew Deere’s birthday party – a reptile party, which he loved – and Matthew donated half of his birthday cash to MitoCanada. I think that kids learn a lot from this experience and it impresses me how thoughtful and sophisticated kids can be. We often don’t give them enough credit.
Supporting Research – MitoCanada has approved $146,000 in research over the next 3 years. We also just recently received preliminary news of an additional $20,000 grant that will likely be approved in support of a local Calgary based diagnostic project using the NextGen sequencing technology. There is also the opportunity to have apportion of these funds matched. There are a couple other research project proposals in the works that will be focusing on pan-Canadian collaboration and initiatives that will further unite the mito medical and research community here in Canada.
No promises of what tomorrow brings - We just got back from spending the Family Day weekend in Canmore, which was another reminder of how fragile life can be. An acquaintance of the ski community was recently informed that his cancer was aggressively advancing and he likely had less than 2 months to live. Not so long ago, this poor gentleman was one of the strongest Master’s XC Ski racers in Canada, and this past Saturday we joined him for his last ski. I was immediately brought to tears after giving him my regrets of his terrible news. So sad and unfair. Again, I feel so lucky to have our health – even in the situation we are in with Evan, there are so many that have life cut short when they least expect it.
New Beginnings – Tomorrow is the beginning of a new chapter in life for me as I start my new job with Integrated Sustainability – a new start-up engineering consulting firm here in Calgary. I see all the key areas of my life overlapping more and more, and this opportunity is something that was always somewhat of a dream for me and will hopefully give me the flexibility I would like to achieve my life goals. Here’s to new beginnings!
There are many events and happenings on the horizon, so stay tuned for future blog updates from people as they share their experiences in support of MitoCanada.
Penny Family Skiing on Main Street Canmore
- Penny Family skiing Main Street Canmore during Winter Fest