Thursday 5 September 2013

Edmonton

Hi everyone,

Well first off a big apology for not posting for so long.  In August the whole family, which includes most of @TeamBreyden, took a break from the walk to attend a family reunion in the Shuswap area of British Columbia. I took a break from posting to enjoy being with family and especially to reconnect with Breyden, the support vehicle crew and the rest of the support team for the first time since he commenced his walk over 4 months before.

A lot of things had transpired in the previous weeks. The long trip and hot summer weather was beginning to take it's toll on some of the road crew.  High temperatures and no ability to run air conditioning in the parked motor home all day resulted in exasperating pre-existing health issues as well as adding new ones for some of the support vehicle team. After two trips to local hospitals resulting in orders from doctors to return home it was unanimously agreed that the motor home and family would have to return home.

Without the backing of a vehicle to provide shelter, food, safety and support Breyden made the very difficult decision to put the CrossCanadaCure walk on hold and resume it in the spring next year. He is determined to finish his goal and ultimately would like to raise his target amount of $323.323 for the BC Cancer Foundation to help in finding a cure for cancer.This is of course the purpose of the walk. We are continuing with his goal and plan to have other fundraising events until then to continue working for the cause.  The recent Car Wash at the 96th Avenue Shell Station in Surrey and Alex's Lemonade Stand are still huge motivators for us all to keep working towards the goal.

The Support Vehicle and crew have returned  home. Everyone's health has greatly improved and while it was difficult for us all, we fully support Breyden and are grateful to have everyone back and in good health again.

Breyden is back on track pursuing his plans for his future.  He has gotten a full time job and is working hard to build his education fund so that he can begin attending classes next Fall.

In 4 months Breyden walked approximately 2,600 kilometers. He started on March 23, 2013 and walked from Horseshoe Bay British Columbia, crossed Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to arrive at the Ontario boarder on July 23, 2013.  WALKED!  According to the BC Cancer Society Event Page he raised $5,925.20 for cancer research but there were donations made other ways so the amount was a bit higher than that.  We are all extremely proud of what he has done and will continue to do next year.

Stay tuned...

Sunday 28 July 2013

Alex's Lemonade Stand

On Saturday Breyden's 10 year old cousin Alex had his annual Lemonade stand in Vancouver's west end. As he does every year, he makes the lemonade from fresh lemons.  He also has fresh baked cookies and other goodies that he makes with his mom the day before. A real treat for Westenders on their way to the farmers market up the street.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the lemonade stand this morning!
$60.20 was donated to the Canadian Cancer Society through the Cross Canada Cure. And then a very generous neighbor donated the remaining $39.80 to  round it up to an even $100.




THANK YOU!!
-Diane (Alex's Mom/Breyden\s Aunt)

Tuesday 23 July 2013

The Car Wash

Turnout for the car wash was just amazing. but more notable was the commitment and enthusiasm of Shell Station owner,  Neeraj Aggarwal, and Manager Len Tinkler.


The amount of work that they did and the energy they put forth for this event was inspiring.  As I drove down Scott Road and approached the station I saw the whole corner was decorated with balloons, banners and staff out on the sidewalks with signs promoting the fundraiser.  I was completely overwhelmed.

To Neeraj, Len and all of the staff and family who helped out and participated I want to express a huge thank you and much appreciated from Breyden, my mom an dad who are Breyden's support on the road as well as myself and the rest of the family who comprise @TeamBreyden. We are very a grateful for all you did.  THANK YOU!










Food booths, lemonade stand and silent auction
Doing my bit




Line up for the car wash

My cousin Anne and Crystal came to give support too.




Toni even made her own home baked chocolate chip cookies. They delicious AND she shared with me her secret ingredient, which I will use next time I bake some. THANKS TONI!

Car Wash Lineup was always 2-4 cars deep

Some of the staff who were there helping out

Me and just a few of the staff who put on the event.  Thanks gang, 








The Lemonade guys. These guys totally rocked the place. So much enthusiasm. 

Len and Neeraj are still working on figuring out the total raised to support Breyden's walk.  Proceeds will go to food, shelter, shoes etc so that Breyden can continue on his fundraising walk.  I will have an addendum to this blog entry within a few days.

If you would like to financially support the CrossCanadaCure: CIBC transit # 00250 account # 83-68694


thank you,
Daryl

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Ontario

Breyden crossed into Ontario yesterday.  I just need to take a minute to let that totally sink in.  It is so hard to believe that just under 4 months ago he left Horseshoe Bay on his walk to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. He has walked over 2,400 kilometers and fully crossed 4 provinces so far. Motivated by his desire to help a friend suffering from Leukemia, he just keeps on going, averaging over 30 km a day.

Still I need to do a big request for everyone to make a donation and help him realize his financial goal towards the Canadian Cancer Society. 

I am very excited about the upcoming fundraiser for him this Saturday.  My good friend Len, manager of the Shell Station at 96th Street and Scott Road (120th) in Surrey BC, and the owner, Neeraj are holding a big Car Wash Fundraiser to help raise money for the expenses of the trip that allow Breyden to continue every day on his walk for the Canadian Cancer Society.  I will be there to help and with a donation table to donate directly to the CCS as well.

I am letting my car get good and dirty and am looking forward to getting it washed up nice and shiny again.  What about you?  Come on down and get your vehicle all clean for the weekend. Have a hotdog, a lemonade (a classic lemonade stand from some local grade 5 boys!) and come over and say hi.  I'd love to meet some of the blog readers.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Daryl
(on behalf of Breyden Walken Erickson)

Friday 12 July 2013

Fundraiser on Saturday July 20 in Surrey BC

Upcoming fundraiser for 18 year old Bryeden Erickson who is walking across Canada to raise money for cancer research.  He started in Horseshoe Bay BC on March 23 and is currently just east of Winnipeg MB.  He has walked over 2,400 kilometers so far.

On July 20, a local Shell Station at 96th Avenue and Scott Road in Surrey BC will be having a special car wash day as a fundraiser to support Breyden's walk.

From 11 am until 3 pm any regular $20.00 car wash will have the proceeds donated to fund Breyden's Cross Canada Cure. Extra staff will be on had to provide a value-added car wash experience; including interior cleaning.

The Chantrell Creek Grade 5 boys will be hosting a lemonade stand and are donating their proceeds (after expenses) to the fundraiser. There will also be a BBQ. Get a hotdog, lemonade, a clean car and help fight cancer all in one stop!

There is also a silent auction  including 4 Vancouver game tickets, a Ferrari Cap, Cordless phone, a Car cleaning system, car wash coupons and more.

Oh yea, and I will be there to help out with the car cash. Come on down, and join in and and help out a great cause.

Thanks to owner Neeraj Aggarwall and Manager Len Tinkler for their efforts and amazing generosity.

The amazing and irreplaceable Len Tinkler
Make a donation to help fight cancer.

Thanks,

(Uncle) Daryl Lonneberg


Friday 5 July 2013

Southern Manitoba

Everyone is affected by cancer, and anyone can make a difference.

For 18 year-old Salmon Arm youth Breyden Erickson, the desire to make a difference motivates him to keep walking on his journey across Canada to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. In his 4th month and his 4th province since leaving Horseshoe Bay on March 23, his Cross Canada Cure is slowly reaching his goal of raising $323,323.00. Many teenagers take a year off after high school before starting a post secondary education. Breyden decided to spend most of that time making a difference, and has walked over 2000 km so far.

The support vehicle driven by Breyden’s grandparents is affectionately known by the family as ‘The Mother Ship’, and officially joined the Cross Canada Cure when Breyden came through the Salmon Arm area. The trek also is being greatly supported by Salmon Arm Mayor Nancy Cooper who has been graciously extending mayor-to-mayor requests to fellow mayors in towns across the country to meet with Breyden and support the cause.

Canada Day marked the 101st day of his trek – and Breyden Erickson is making a difference.

Here is their plan for Southern Manitoba cities.  Breyden and the team are arranging local meetings with media etc.  If you live in or near any of these towns/cities and want to know more or or would even like to walk with him for a bit to show support. please comment or contact us at @TeamBreyden on Twitter.


July 5 - Sidney
July 6 - MacGregor
July 7 - Portage
July 8 - Oakville
July 9 - Headingly
July 10- Winnipeg
July 11- Winnipeg
July 12- Lorette
July 13- Richer
July 18- Kenora
July 21- Vermillion
July 22- Dryden
July 23- Wabigoon



Sunday 30 June 2013

Great people in Saskatchewan. AND 2000 KILOMETERS!!

We are all praying for and thinking of the people in Calgary and hoping everyone manages to get back on their feet safely and quickly.  It is so hard to imagine something happening in such a large city. But it is amazing to hear the stories of people stepping up to help one another. Stay strong Calgary. I hear news that power to downtown could be back up very soon.

While it is amazing to see all the people helping,  (One friend posted that they asked for 1,000 volunteers to show up for a clean up  crew and over 5,000 showed up) I have to say that it is not surprising.  I have always know that we Canadians are helpful and kind spirited, it is just part of who we are.  While this support happening in and for Calgary is heartwarming, it is just us watching out for each other as we always do.  So with the Canada Day long weekend coming up, take a minute to think about what that means to you and make an extra effort to help each other.  Even just a kind word or a simple acknowledgment is so easy to give, but can make all the difference in someones day.

I received a string of texts from Breyden a few days ago with a long list of people who have reached out to help him.  So I would like to acknowledge some of the great people who have helped him recently. I know I have not gotten everyone and may have some spelling mistakes on a few names so please leave me a comment and share your meeting with Breyden.


                                                At the Caronport Community Church


Mayor of Wolsely Saskatchewan Dennis Fjestad, his wife, and people from the church outside of a restaurant which they treated us.



 
Breyden meeting with Mayor Dennis Fjestad of Wolseley.




Meeting with Mayor Deb Higgins of Moosejaw


Staff at the Best Western in Moosejaw. On the left is Brenda, she cooked us breakfast even though we were late. Carolyn was working the front desk


Breyden, Norma and Al meet with Mayor Michael Fougere of Regina


 A view of the motorhome from the mayors office in Regina.



Breyden with his new shoes that were donated by Judy and Pat Horning.



Ashton from Track and Trail Regina, who helped us get new shoes sorted


With Craig Bartlett, who, with his his wife Danielle who provided 2 nights at the Dyer Straits Campground and Cabins in White City in support of Breyden's cause.


Tom an Sylvia Lipp generously provided a nights stay at the Creekside Gardens in Qu'Appelle
The gardens are beautiful, check out the photo gallery on the website.


Gail at the visitor centre in Indian Head donated $20 and doughnuts from local bakery

ON JUNE 24 BREYDEN REACHED WHITEWOOD SASKATCHEWAN WHICH MARKS 2000 KILOMETERS TRAVELLED SINCE HE LEFT HORSESHOE BAY ON MARCH 23.  3 MONTHS AGO

While he was there, Doug and Sharon Armstrong of Whitewood  donated $100 on behalf of Armstrong charters

In addition Breyden met with the Mayor of Moosomin, Larry Tomlinson who was very encouraging and donated $50.

We would also like to thank, Rick, of the Fieldstone campground,  Doris Troberts of Estivan, James of Elkhorn Manitoba and Donna Bugler for their generosity and support.  Oh, and did you notice that? That's right. Manitoba.

Breyden and the Road Crew have now cleared the 3 Western Provinces and are in Manitoba. that calls for some donations. Breyden is so persistent and dedicated to raising money for cancer research. Please donate and help by passing on the work.

Thanks Everyone!!.

Click here to donate

Breyden's uncle Daryl

Thursday 20 June 2013

Perspectives - Breyden’s story

After graduating from high school and celebrating with friends, most teenagers either start full time work, head to college or university or take off to travel and explore the world.  What prompted Breyden to head out on foot across Canada to raise money for cancer research?

When a close friend was diagnosed with leukemia Breyden wanted to do something to help. He felt strongly that he needed to take action; to make a difference and to literally walk the talk. As the idea formulated in his mind he began sharing his plans with family and friends. Some family and friends were concerned for his safety and the logistics of such an undertaking but all were impressed with his heart and desire to help. 


Being a very independent individual, Breyden was fully intending on doing this on his own. He did not wish to inconvenience any one by asking for, or accepting offers for a support vehicle to accompany him, or for a background team to assist with the logistics of such an endeavor. 


But soon into the journey Breyden realised that others in his life wanted to help him, the way he wanted to help his friend. It is about much more than just raising money. It is about coming together and caring for each other and taking action. It is about being a community, regardless of what city we may live in. 


Many people have come along side Breyden to support his efforts and he has accepted their help with humility and grace and a renewed determination to achieve his goal.  The Cross Canada Cure may be Breyden`s idea but it has become much more than that to many. It has become an opportunity.  A chance to really do something for others.  


What has intrigued you about this adventure?  Who in your life has battled cancer? You.  A family member.  A close friend.  We have all been affected by cancer in some way and we all deal with it in different ways. What is right for one person may not be right for another. How do you choose to work through your feelings and how do you support others?


It is a process and, in many ways, we are all in this together. 


- Lynda Nash (Breyden's Mom)


Sunday 16 June 2013

For the Dads and Grandads

This post is for all the Dads and Granddads.  A Fathers Day Challenge for you. 


I have been spending Father’s Day reflecting on my own father and what kind of man he is. He has always worked tirelessly, quietly and with great resolve in the background to provide for, and look out for, our family.  As a father he has been an excellent example and a wonderful mentor.  But he isn't only a father, he is a Grandfather and while I know that he was always there to protect and encourage my siblings and I, it is now so evident that he is doing the same for his Grandchildren. He and Breyden have always been close and that bond is becoming even stronger as they travel together, with Breyden’s Grandmother too of course, on his journey across the country to find a cure for cancer.


Teaching Breyden how to drive the boat

Breyden with his grandparents shortly before they joined him.
 People have asked what causes an 18 year old to put his life on hold to do something like this for another person. One need only look as far as the driver’s seat of the motor home to see the source of the selfless dedication required to put your life on hold to help someone you love.


Shortly after Breyden started his walk it became evident to us all that his commitment and determination was unwavering.  His Grandfather stepped up as well, and again, with his quiet resolve began preparations to become the road support team for Breyden. He and Mom had banners and business cards made for Breyden. They packed up the motor home, closed up the house and hit the road to ensure Breyden’s safety and to support his cause.  They have been Breyden’s primary support for the past 2 months and are still going strong.

So how is this a challenge, you say?? I know that dad, who is 80 this year, wants nothing more than to see Breyden succeed in his goal of helping to raise $323,323 for the Canadian Cancer Society.  So, we challenge you to step up as well and to donate a dollar for every year you have been a father or a grandfather. Whether it is one dollar or one hundred dollars, every bit will help in ensuring that Breyden meets his goal and is successful in his selfless journey to benefit others.



And please leave a comment below. Would be great to hear from you readers and feel free to share yourFathers Day Story.



Rain, hail and tornado warnings

Now entering his 12th week on the road, Salmon Arm, BC’s, Breyden Erickson has encountered rain, snow, wind, lightning and even tornado warnings. Breyden has a friend battling Leukemia and this has inspired him to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. While the 18-year old has been walking across the country, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society have steadily increased and the people he has met along the way continue to be impressed with his dedication to raising money and awareness. He’s making his way across Southern Saskatchewan, and on a recent visit to Swift Current, SK, Breyden stopped in to meet Mayor Jerrod Schafer and Team Breyden member, Sherri Edwards. The Queen City is in his sights and then on to Manitoba. A little bit of weather won’t stop him.

Sherri Edwards, Breyden and Swift Current mayor Jerrod Schafer
Breyden and the team should be arriving in Moose Jaw today, Sunday June 16,  or possibly tomorrow depending on the weather.  But I just have to mention a few folks that they have met up with over the past few days.  

On Friday night they camped at Besant Campground just 35 km west of Moose Jaw.  Campground managers Shawna and Bill Campbell provided a free stay for the team after hearing what Breyden was doing. The team as always was very appreciative of that but then an employee of the campground, who wishes to stay anonymous, took it a step further. Because the campground did not have any WiFi service, they offered to use their smart phone as a hot spot so that Breyden and the team could use it to connect and get caught up on e-mails etc.  Wow, so generous. Thank you. But then, they drove  into Moose Jaw to take out some cash from their personal account, came back and also took up donations from the other campers and presented the team with $100 dollars to put towards expenses.  People are just awesome!!

Breyden with Shawna Campbell and unidentified dog

Breyden and Shawna Campbell of Besant Campground

And just a few days before getting to Swift Current they stayed at The Gull Lake Campground.  Looks like a beautiful spot.  Here is a picture take of Breyden with the campground manager but I also had to borrow the picture from their web site.  It appears, to me anyway, to be a classic Saskatchewan scene. Beautiful.




I am a bit behind on my blog so I have one last thanks for the people of Maple Creek Saskatchewan.  Darcy and Joan Chmilar got them all set up at the Willowbend Campground in Maple Creek and provided all the hookups needed for the RV.  Apparently it rained over 2 inches last night so Breyden is extremely grateful to his grandparents for being along for support and having the motorhome to stay in.  Well, the rest of us are all thankful to them that he is being kept safe along his trip.



Donations are coming in but we need your help to for Breyden to reach his goal.  

Thanks everyone.  



Saturday 8 June 2013

KJ and Kirby Show My96fm

Great interview on Medicine Hat's My96fm's KJ and Kirby in the Morning Show. Took a while to compile and post but here is a bit of a photo montage to the clip.  Thanks again Kim.



Thursday 6 June 2013

Medicine Hat does Alberta proud

Med Hatters sure know how to step up. Breyden received such a great welcome on his 2 day stay there, it was incredible.

Firstly I'd like to thank Kim Johnston of Medicine Hat's My96fm's KJ and Kirby in the Morning Show.  He had Breyden on their show last Thursday morning for an interview.  Breyden had been walking till about 9:30 the night before and then up for the 7:30 am interview so he was quite tired but Kim was awesome.  Look for an upcoming blog post for a photo montage Byron has attached to the audio of the 6 minute interview.  Thanks also Kim for all of the promoting you did for Breyden and challenging Med Hatters to make some donations to the expenses. They really came through as you will see.



A few days before Breyden reached Medicine Hat I finally decided to utilize twitter to try to reach out to people in the upcoming towns to raise awareness of Breyden's amazing fundraising efforts and his upcoming arrival to their town.  Almost immediately I connected with 2 incredible women who helped out so much in spreading the word around Medicine Hat.  A huge thanks to Michelle Sauve of the Canadian Cancer Society of Medicine Hat.  She reached out to all of her contacts and local merchants in Med Hat to rally support and donations. She was literally driving all over town to connect with people and helped to arrange a wonderful reception for Breyden at the Information Center where he met with acting Mayor Les Peterson. Michelle even took the time and effort to make homemade cookies to bring down to the event.

Then, suddenly the incredible energy of Sherri Edwards of Kinetic Events Vancouver and owner of Swift Current Steel appears on the scene.  Sherri also did an amazing job in spreading the word.  Her energy and enthusiasm was highly contagious and really set the tone for the excitement in Medicine Hat.

Oh and of course as always, a special thank you to Salmon Arm's Mayor Nancy Cooper. Salmon Arm is Breyden's home town and back in April Mayor Cooper met with him at city hall, presented him with a cheque and a pin to recognize all that he is doing. But she is continuing to help as an official member of TeamBreyden, working hard to spread the work to her counterparts and connections across the country as Breyden passes through each town across Canada.

All this resulted in a great reception in Medicine Hat.Thanks to David, Manager of the Visitor Center  for allowing the small crowd to use the Center to meet.  Breyden and the whole team would like to thank Brian Kannekens of 'Bean There Roasting', who showed up with his coffee van to provide coffee for everyone.  He also donated $100 towards new shoes. This, along with a generous discount from Intersport in the Medicine Hat mall enabled Breyden to get a much needed and appropriate pair of runners.  And amazingly, a woman named Betty heard the Interview on the KJ and Kirby show and bought a pair of runners for Bryeden as well.
Paul Bradfield of Intersport and Brian Kannekens of Roasted Fresh for You


 Lisa Driver from the Co-Op came down and generously presented Breyden with a $100 gas card. VERY appreciated by the road crew!  Breyden's grandparents are travelling with him using their motor-home as a support vehicle and donations towards expenses are graciously welcome. Have you seen gas prices lately!

Acting Mayor Les Peterson, Breyden Walken Erickson and Lisa Driver

Ross from Chat TV was there and did an interview with Breyden as well which resulted in a write up on their web site.  In addition to those mentioned, there were several other people who had heard about Breyden and showed up to give support.  Gas City Campground provided the team with a two nights stay at the RV park courtesy of Parks and Recreation GM, Rodger Vizbar.

Prior to arriving in Medicine Hat, others along the way have given their support. here are some direct messages from the Support Vehicle over the past few days:

  • Christina in Brooks heard about it and called Breyden a few days ahead to find out when they arrived and provided a spot for the RV with all the needed connections.
  • Central Bow Valley School yard, plugged into one of their car plug outlets in the hamlet of Gleichen, Courtesy of the Principal Mrs. E. Mclane and the Maintenance Supervisor Don Hartman. I might add we are very grateful and appreciate the support.
  • Another interesting thing today. When Breyden left this morning the headwind was very strong and it was raining quite hard, he was concerned that many would stop to offer him a ride. So he chose to go down a right angled side road, we drove beside him with the mother ship acting as a wind barrier. Three of the locals on the side road (Range Rd 232, Anonymous, Judy and Brenda offered $20.00 each towards the cause, thank you folks for your kind donations. There is always a bright side to everything if we look for it!
So thanks again Medicine Hat and Alberta.  You were amazing.  Breyden is now on to Saskatchewan but all of us are very thankful  for everything you  did.  I am sure I have missed someone so please leave me a comment if I did or contact me directly on twitter @TeamBreyden.  This is the Support twitter account for the Team. Breyden also has his own @CrossCanadaCure account which he posts to but is often days between wifi.

Make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society via Breyden's fundraising page

If you would also like to help out with expenses, you can directly to:

CIBC transit # 00250 account # 83-68694

Uncle Daryl, on behalf of
TeamBreyden

Thursday 30 May 2013

Strathmore Times.

Great write up today in the Strathmore Times:

18-year-old stops in Strathmore during Cross Canada Cure walk

Aryssah Stankevitsch   
Times Reporter  
 
Salmon Arm, B.C.’s Breyden Erickson is spending his summer a little differently than his pals. The 18-year-old is attempting to walk across Canada for cancer research—he left March 23 from Horseshoe Bay, B.C. for Sydney, Nova Scotia, where he expects to arrive sometime in October. He made a stop in Strathmore on May 22.
“My friends have mixed feelings about it,” Erickson said. “Some of them are confused as to why I’m still doing this, and others are saying ‘Aw hey, that’s awesome, what can I do to help?’”
One of his friends is the reason for the adventure. Diagnosed with leukemia, Erickson credits her for part of the initial spark of the Cross Canada Cure journey. 
“I just figured I could do something, and I might as well make it worth my while,” he said.
But why walk, when you could run, bike, rollerblade, or cartwheel? 
“Ironically, part of the reason I think was, a year ago, I got caught speeding and lost my license,” Erickson said. “For quite a few months I was without a vehicle, and since my dad was working, he couldn’t always give me a ride. I had to walk to work; 4.5 km on the highway there, 4.5 km back…so I thought, walking’s not that bad.”
Though his largest expedition so far was 58km in Savona, B.C. (with rain and big hills, of course), he averages roughly 30 km per day, and can do about 5 km per hour. He says he did minimal training in preparation for the voyage. 
“One of the things I wanted to prove is that you didn’t really have to go to the gym every day and work out as much as you can,” Erickson said. “Someone who sits at home, plays videogames, and hangs with friends can do this too.”
For the first two weeks of the walk, he carried a 60 lb. backpack with all his tenting gear, and camped out at night by himself. Afterwards, his grandparents were able to meet up with him, and drive along in their RV. They split their time between leapfrogging ahead, and following behind on the shoulder while their grandson walks against traffic on the left side of the road. Al and Norma plan on sticking with him at least until Thunder Bay, but may journey with him all the way to Nova Scotia, possibly selling the RV once Breyden finishes. Erickson even sold his own car to put forth some cost to expenses.


It’s been an entire family and friends effort, whether it be providing a place to stay, giving some food, or taking care of logistics week to week on the fly: “My mom’s been calling ahead, my uncle and aunt handling PR, my other uncle with the blog (crosscanadacure2013.blogspot.ca). My dad’s been helping out with the phone bill, whenever he can, which is a big help,” Erickson said.
He hikes with a small backpack of water bottles, and usually listens to music, audiobooks, or podcasts to keep himself occupied. The teen says the most difficult parts so far have been the flatlands: “It’s boring. I miss steep hills through the mountains because at least that was something to look at.” 
Though grandma’s cooking is a close second, he says Rogers Pass was his most favourite part of the trip. “That was incredible, to see how freakishly tall those mountains were,” Erickson said.
Looking forward to the provinces he’s never seen, such as Manitoba and Quebec, Erickson admits there have been some ups and downs, including temporarily losing his wallet, breaking in new running shoes, and showering in the RV with his tall, lanky frame. 
Erickson is also using this event towards a Grade 12 P.E. credit through an education outreach program to finish his high school diploma. He eventually wishes to study at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton.
There are two ways to contribute to Breyden’s Cross Canada Cure Walk; the expenses portion covers his gas, campgrounds, food, etc. while you can also donate at www.tinyurl.com/crosscanadacure for fundraising. Breyden’s goal is to raise $323,323 (since he left March 23, or 03/23). He currently sits just under $3,000. Notably, the Mayor of Salmon Arm, Nancy Cooper, donated $500 to Breyden’s cause, as did Salmon Arm’s Bell with $300.
“We’ve been very grateful to everyone so far who has lended us a place to stay,” said Erickson. “We’ve gotten a few free campsites or deals on things in exchange for advertising.”
By the walk’s end, he will have travelled 6,000 km by foot. If kept on schedule, he will leave the Alberta border by June 1.
“Any amount counts, that’s no exaggeration,” Erickson said. “Like Terry Fox, with a dollar per Canadian. That’s easily enough to get our goal met. The sooner that happens, the better.”




To financially support the CrossCanadaCure: CIBC transit # 00250 account # 83-68694

Courtesy of:

http://www.strathmoretimes.com/Sports/18-year-old-stops-in-strathmore-during-cross-canada-cure-walk.html