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