INGLESIDE, Ontario – Plans are under way for the Stephanie Grady Memorial Run which will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 starting with the 2km run at 9:30 a.m. at the Stephanie Grady Educational Pavilion located at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ingleside.
This will be the second annual event in Stephanie’s memory planned by Team Grady to support local causes, and will be held on the weekend marking Stephanie’s birthday.
Stephanie Grady was a local wife and mother of three who battled a rare form of cancer called NUT Midline Carcinoma. Grady’s hope for overcoming this form of cancer was an experimental drug called BET Inhibitor, one not covered by Ontario’s health plan. The high cost of health care in the U.S., where Grady could enter the trials, prompted family and friends to form Team Grady.
“The united response to this initiative was overwhelmingly incredible and inspirational,” said event organizer Heather Lisney. “The strength that the generosity of people provided to Stephanie as she fought was monumental. Their kindness still provides support and encouragement to Nick, the children and many others each day.”
Unfortunately, her disease progressed too rapidly for her to start treatment. On May 10, 2014, just four days after when she should have started the trials, she died peacefully in her home with her family by her side.
Friends, family and community members are welcome to lace up their sneakers and register for a 10km run, 5km run or 2km walk/run on Oct. 1 on the picturesque bike path between the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Ingleside entrance of the Long Sault Parkway. All participants will receive a t-shirt, a running bib and a medal at the finish line. Stephanie had a passion for running and we welcome runners of all levels to join us to cherish Stephanie’s memory and to help us raise money for Camp Erin Eastern Ontario which provide children with grief support. Following the races, a BBQ will be held near the Stephanie Grady Educational Pavilion at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Any donations for the BBQ are completely optional and will be going towards supporting the “Getting on Board” project of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary. In order to register for the run, visit runningroom.com Race ID # 13657.
Stephanie’s husband, Nick Grady, has been working to ensure a successful event in his wife’s honour.
“This year, we’ve decided to organize an official run in memory of Stephanie,” he said. “We’re combining her love of family and friends with her passion for running with proceeds going to a great local cause that is near and dear to our hearts, Camp Erin Eastern Ontario.”
