Heather Latter
Morning Star Tom of Big Grassy First Nation will be running a full marathon later this month in Reykjavik, Iceland to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA).
Team Diabetes is the national activity fundraising program for the CDA, raising funds for the provision of education and services while advocating for the cause and breaking ground towards a cure.
The CDA provides thousands of people—from all walks of life—with the opportunity to either walk or run a full or half-marathon, or shorter distance race, in exciting Canadian and international locations.
“I found out about it probably close to 10 years ago and it was just something I’ve always wanted to do,” Tom remarked, though adding she also is supporting the CDA for a personal reason.
“I joined because my dad has diabetes, and in 1998 my grandpa passed away from the
complications of diabetes,” she explained.
“The diabetes rate is three-five times higher on First Nations, so it does affect a lot of people.”
But Tom also enjoys running and has been training for this specifically since March, running five days a week totalling 60-75 km.
And she also has already completed two half-marathons—one in Fargo, N.D. and the other in Winnipeg.
“I chose Iceland because of the climate,” she noted. “It is the one that is most similar to what I train in here.”
And since she’s never been outside of North America, she is very excited for the opportunity.
Tom, who will be joining some of the participants from Manitoba and leaving from Winnipeg, will be among the 48-member team.
One team trainer also is travelling with them.
“To date, we have raised nearly $300,000 for the CDA from this marathon alone,” Tom enthused, noting they each were required to raise $6,100, with a portion of that covering the cost of the trip.
“But I’m trying to raise as much as possible,” she stressed.
“If I could get to $10,000 by the end of August, that would be awesome.”
She said the money raised for the CDA is dispersed among four areas:
•providing education and support services to those living with diabetes, as well as healthcare providers;
•advocating for people living with diabetes;
•supporting research; and
•translating research into practical applications.
Those interested are encourage to pledge Tom for her marathon and help her in her efforts to support the CDA.
To donate online, visit www.teamdiabetes.ca, click on the “Pledge” icon, and follow the prompts (a credit card is required).
Donations also can be made by sending a cheque, made out to the Canadian Diabetes Association,
to Tom at P.O. Box 824, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
As well, there will be a pledge sheet for cash donations at the Weechi-it-te-win office at 1457 Idylwild Dr. in Fort Frances.
All pledges $15 and over will receive a tax receipt.
“Team Diabetes not only prepares you for the physical challenge, but also provides you with the support you need to achieve your fundraising and training goals,” Tom noted
