A tiny child, waving feverishly from the window 8 floors above us, brought a lump to my throat and a few tears to my eyes this past weekend. Privileged to both witness and participate in this experience of creating hope.
The beautiful, sunny weather on Mother’s Day weekend was perfect for the return of the 5k walk for Megan’s Hug, which Adapt Media, my employer has sponsored for 10 years.
@Megan’sHug supports pediatric brain cancer research initiatives, and is led by 2022 Women of Influence honoree, Denise Bebenek, in memory of her daughter Megan.
The great idea around this fundraising “hug” is – after walking 5k to Sick Kids Hospital (Toronto), participants stand side to side and join hands around the whole hospital to create a huge “Sick Kids Hug”. There was a countdown, and patients who were healthy enough to go to the windows, joined their parents and staff, to look out to see the hug and each of us ‘huggers’ waiving our support. It was clearly exciting for the young patient who was waving wildly at us far below….and watching them wave made the walk’s purpose, and the connection very real.
I was once a parent inside those rooms. We were a Sick Kids family for years, (different disorder) with Carling and Colton. This amazing @SickKids pediatric healthcare force will always be near and dear to my heart. Walking with my healthy son Jarrett was a gift, and reminder that our hearts open wider when we help. As you may know, philanthropy is a more than a corporate strategy. It shows employees that they work for a company that cares about people, the future and is willing to invest in hope.
A lot of work goes into events like this, that most people never see. A big shout out, and thank you to all the charities, sponsoring companies, and individuals who organize, support, participate in, and work on fundraisers like this, for the difference you make!
