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Spirit day raises funds and awareness

Registration in stem cell donor registry available
Spirit day raises funds and awareness

Organizers of an annual run that raises money to support bone marrow transplants have expanded the event to a full day packed with fun for the whole family.

The 12th annual Spirit Run is now one part of the first annual Spirit Day, which will be held on Sunday, June 3 at Larry Gouthro Park. Organized by Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society, the event includes a half-marathon and relay for runners, a five- and 10-kilometre walk/run and a Spirit of Adventure race. There will be a fishing pond, face painting, balloons, food and other activities for both children and adults throughout the day.

The society educates the public about the need for bone marrow donors and raises funds in support of the work of the One Match stem cell and marrow network, a Canadian Blood Services program. One Match registers potential bone marrow donors and matches them to patients needing transplants, while society volunteers interact with patients and their families on a personal level.

During the day, representatives from Canadian Blood Services will provide information concerning the need for stem cell donors, how stem cells are collected and how to register as a donor.

“We’re very excited that at this event Canadian Blood Services is actually going to be there to help people register as stem cell donors,” said Danita Senf, the society’s national executive assistant. “That’s our mission and they’re here to help us carry that out.”

Another new feature this year is the adventure run, which has elements of geocaching, a treasure hunt and photo scavenger hunt. Teams of up to four people or individuals are given a list of clues and coordinates. They have to take photos of each thing the clues lead to. The first person or team that does that is the winner.

This year’s event also includes T-shirts that feature artwork by a grade 10 student at Brooks Secondary School, Tia Larice Rosypskye. She won a contest the society sponsored to find artwork that presents a vision of aboriginal health.

Her design forms the shape of a heart, which represents health, Tia said. “Inside are trees and nature, which is a big part of native culture,” she said. “If you look closer I show people participating in outdoor activities which represent how people should stay active if they wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

T-shirts are available at pre-registration for the day’s events, while supplies last. “It’s highly unlikely people will get a shirt if they don’t pre-register,” said Senf. “We think they’re really going to want one because the artwork is just beautiful.”

Participants in the half-marathon and relay can register from 8:45 to 9:15 am at the park. Participants in the five- and 10-kilometre run/walk can register from 9:30 to 10:15 am. Registration for the adventure race is from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Family fun events start at 11 am.

For more information, including how to pre-register, interested readers can call Senf at 604.485.8488, or visit the society online.