Stettler resident Brenda Esquirol will be taking part in the inaugural OneWalk to Conquer Cancer taking place on Saturday, June 25 in Calgary, walking 25 kms through the streets raising funds for cancer research benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
"When I learned about OneWalk to Conquer Cancer, I immediately wanted to take up the challenge," said Esquirol. "When I lost my husband 10 years ago, my sons were five and nine years old."
Brenda lost her husband, Mich to cancer leaving her to raise her children alone.
Mich was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2002 and underwent rigorous treatment before his death at the age of 40.
"In 2009, I became involved with the Relay for Life in Stettler and chaired the event for two years and participated as a walker for a few more years," said Esquirol. "Recently, I lost a very good friend to years of battling brain tumors and when I learned about OneWalk it was an easy decision."
Esquirol added that walking 25 kms in one day would not be easy for her but her hope is that the money she raises through OneWalk will help a dad be around his kids a little longer or keep a friend healthy into old age.
"I've chosen to fund clinical trials in the hopes of finding new life-saving treatment to take us closer to a world free of cancer," said Esquirol. "My partner Carl has walked alongside me many kilometres in preparation for OneWalk and I thank him for walking with me on June 25."
OneWalk to Conquer Cancer is a one-day, 25-kilometre walk through the streets and communities of Calgary and an inspiring festival experience for participants and bystanders alike, to raise vital funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and help conquer all forms of cancer.
Funds raised through OneWalk to Conquer Cancer support breakthrough cancer research, clinical trials, enhanced care and the discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other centres across Alberta.