Donors

We all have our reasons. Cancer affects us all. I would like to personally thank the following donors for their support of this expedition and their contribution to the fight against cancer:

1. Stacie Beveridge - your generosity knows no bounds. I am not shocked that you were the first to make a donation.

2. Angel Montgomery - More than anyone, I know that you understand how important finding a cure is. Your little warrior is one of the main reasons this expedition is happening.

3. Graeme Moir - How cool is this? I haven't seen Graeme in years! Guess it's true - good people are always good people.

4. Michael Saumur - this one hit home hard. Michael is a former student, and supporter of Relay For Life at SJCHS. I know how much finding a cure means to him and his family. I will do my best to do your donation justice.

5. Colleen Donnelly-Jackson: Former SJCHS student (pre-Relay) and a great family friend. I am so very appreciative of you reaching out all the way from Listowel.

6. MacKenzie Connors: Graduate and former Organizing Committee member. Always willing to donate her talent and creativity to making the event the huge success that it is.

7. Elizabeth Holmes: Another former Organizing Committee member who continues the fight against cancer. It is always makes me so happy to see the Holmes children and their father Fraser attend the annual event as a Survivor.

8. Sarah Noonan: Whatever I say here won’t do any justice. There has never been a student who has put more heart and soul into the SJCHS Relay For Life. I appreciate your generous donation so much – but it will never compare to the contributions you have already made to our Relay.

9. Heidi Rogers: At a very young age, Heidi taught our friend group about loss, strength, and courage. Thank you so much for the generosity and the kind words.

10. Monica Hart: Anyone who knows Monica knows how much an inspiration she is. One of the strongest women I know - a true survivor. Thank you for always leading the fight.

11. Mandy Billings - Living in the GTA, but always supporting the town of Perth. Thank you so much for your kindness.

12 & 13. Natasha and Natali Hamilton - It is only fitting that I thank my favorite twins at the same time. I know how hard it is to find the money to support this cause late in a university semester - you two are the best.

14. Jonathon Paul - one of my oldest and most cherished friends. He has always been such a supporter of his pals. Always representing.

15. Alicia Tysick - I had the privilege of coaching Alicia's son in hockey. It is true what they say, good kids are a product of good parents. Thank you for your support.

16. Jamieson Thompson - a former chairperson of our SJCHS Relay for Life organizing committee. One of the good guys. It makes me really proud that you are still fighting.

17. April Elliot - my best bud from teacher's college. Thank you so much for reaching out all the way from Calgary. Raise a glass to good karma.

18. Andrea Picket – Andrea dedicates her life to improving the health and well-being of others. I really appreciate your support of this little run in the mountains.

19. Lindsay Mahon- Linds was raised in a family that truly understands the spirit of generosity. People like her make the world a better place.

20. Patrick Graham – thank you so much for you EXTREMELY GENEROUS donation. There are few people in this world more supportive than Pat. His genuine caring nature is evident in the way he takes care of his family, friends, and everything Perth.

21. Amanda Turner – Your donation is a reminder of how big this is…how big it can be. All of my donations to date have come from friends or members of the St. John community. Amanda made a donation because she lost her and grandmother to cancer. Cancer indiscriminately affects us all, and there are so many people outside our SJCHS family who are leading the fight. Thank you so much for reminding why this all will be worth it.

22. Kate Thornton – A fitting donor for the marathon as Kate is one of the most decorated runners in SJCHS history. I’ll try not to disappoint you with my performance in the race.

23. Kayla Hollywood – Kayla knows as well as anyone the impact cancer can have on a family. She has spoken at our Relay event in the past, and I am in awe of her strength. It is people like Kayla, and her father that make events like Relay necessary.

24. Kristina Ball – Kristina was always a big supporter of the SJCHS Relay For Life, serving on our the organizing committee during her time here. We graduate so many students who genuinely care about the well-being of other people – Kristina is one of them.

25. Bill Doyle – thank you so much for the contribution and the kind words.

26. Sara Cooke – Sara has such a big heart. Much appreciated my friend.

27. Kendra Kinch – Always an enthusiastic supporter of our Relay for life, and everything SJCHS.

28. Brenda Kerr – In memory of Ron Cooper. We all have our reasons –cancer affects us all.

29. Kelsey Lapensee – Yet another former organizing committee member. Kelsey is the kind of person who you can count on when she commits to something. It makes me proud that you have continued to commit to the fight against cancer.

30 & 31. Lucas Carson & Dean Chew - At the rink last night, both these kind gentlemen made cash donations, having heard about the marathon. I am continually overwhelmed by the generosity of this community. I was very touched.

32. Kate Mason - From tennis class hero to all around hero. Thanks so much for reaching out all the way from Grand Bend.

33. Jaime Notman – yet another example of your generous nature and how much you care for other people.

34. Joy Sudiacal – Always a great supporter of SJCHS Relays during her time as a student. It is the enthusiasm and positivity of people like Joy who make our event a “party with a purpose”. So glad you are still a part of this fight.

35. Laura Smith – Hockey Mom (and well, just Mom in general) extraordinaire. I don’t have any idea how you even find any spare time to make a donation, but it is greatly appreciated.

36. Jeff/Myra Peters – No one knows you better than family. These two know exactly how much this event means to me, and I know how much it means to them. Thanks so much for your continued support of this event – year in and year out, I can always count on you both.

37. Diane Jackson – your two wonderful boys are a reflection of you and Brad – your kindness and generosity. I really appreciate the donation.

38. Matt & Danika Polk – I really appreciate the support from out west. Always family.

39. Noah Noonan – trainer extraordinaire at Industry Fitness, and always a great supporter of Relay For Life. You are a good man.

40. Dalton Rogers – More alumni support. The Spartan Spirit lives on. Thanks Dalton.

41. John & Martha Viets – In loving memory of Yarrow Viets. I promise, Trevor and I will do our best to honour the spirit and courage of your amazing daughter. We will “Fight like a girl”.

42. Chris Edwards – Another blast from the past. Your support is very much appreciated Chris.

43. Scott Brown – Browny you are a great friend. Thanks so much for the support. Maybe we could do an interview about the event?

44. The McNally family – Laurie, Cathy, Penny who all made cash donations over the Christmas holidays. This entire trip/race is inspired by people like Greg. His presence is greatly missed every single day, but none more so than at Relay. I will be thinking about him and his courage when I am struggling on the mountain.

45. Louis & Brenda St. Pierre – My entire family has been so supportive of this event. Thanks so much for your generous contribution.

46. Pat & Barb Spadoni – the best Godparents a guy could ask for. Thanks for the support all the way from sunny Florida.

47. Maureen Merkley – Maureen is an incredible supporter of our Relay For Life. This amazing EA also steps up as the unofficial event photographer and every year I count on her pics to make our kick-off rally special. It is always a pleasure to share the track with you my friend.

48. Chris Turner – Long time friend, and always a supporter of any cause that fights cancer. We all have a reason - Turner fights to honour his friend.

49. Sara Ward-Paige – One of my oldest and dearest friends. Sara is someone I can always count on…always. She is also the kind of runner that makes my marathon times look really slow (because they are).

50. John McKenty – former principal at our great high school. One of the finest men I had the pleasure of being educated by, and definitely one of the finest speakers. John was the kind of principal that inspired you to do more. This marathon is about doing more.

51. Theresa Lalonde-Pankow – Theresa has always been a long time supporter of everything St. John. She is now playing an integral role in involving students from all over the board in participating in our Relay event. The support is greatly appreciated.

52. Rowan and Tessa Peters – Nephew and niece extraordinaire. I better see you two on the track this year! Thank you to their lovely parents Blair and Becca for the donation.

53. Lena O’Connor – Lena was one of the first people to reach out when this marathon was announced. I greatly appreciate the donation.

54. Ann Knapp – Thank you so much Ann for the donation and the kind words.

55. Richard & Allison Ellard – The Ellard family, owners and operators of Perth Home Hardware, have always been supporters of our school community. All three of their daughters have been participants of our Relay, and Chloe, the last to graduate served admirably as our event Chairperson for two years. A huge thank you to the Ellard family for such a generous donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

56. Martin’s Bus Lines – Preferred bus line of the Spartan community. Thank you so much to headquarters in Napanee, and the local crew in Perth for the extremely generous donation.

57./58. Jeremy Steeves & Dan Allat – Two great friends who wanted to do something big for Choffe and I and the adventure to Everest. Jer supplied the goods, Dan hosted the fun. The end result was a massive donation and a great time had by all. Cheers to the hard-working Perth Brewery and O’Reilly’s Ale House owners for their kindness and support.

59. Noonan’s Auto – Mark, Gina, & Sarah Noonan. Mark and Gina have always been so supportive of St. John and especially our Relay For Life. I am pretty sure this is because of the millions of hours their daughter Sarah worked to make Relay what it is today. Without a doubt, Sarah has had the biggest student impact on Relay in its 18 year history. Anyone who knows this family would not be surprised by their generosity.

60. Christopher Mahon – Long time friend, I couldn’t be more proud of the success Chris is experiencing as a hockey coach. His enthusiasm and positivity are contagious. His donation is yet another example of how he would do anything for a friend and is an excellent role model for the young men he coaches.

61. Timothy MacDonald – I absolutely love donations like this! I haven’t seen Tim since high school….and yet, he has reached out to support the cause. I so very appreciative of people like Tim who have gone out of their way to make this campaign a success.

62. Nancy Campbell – Aunt extraordinaire. I am so blessed to have such a supportive and generous family. Thank so much Nan.

63. Catherine English- In my time at St. John, the VP’s office has been a bit of a revolving door. We have been so lucky to have a leader like Catherine for the past few years – I wish she could stay forever. Catherine is so supportive of her staff, and always has our backs.

64. Amy Muldoon – Yet another blast from the past….yet another person who deeply understands the impact that cancer can have on a family. Thank you so much Amy for your extremely generous donation.

65. Ken MacPhail – Kenny is the kind of guy who wouldn’t want to be publicly thanked for making a donation (as he slipped me some cash as I passed by him in the staff room like it was some back alley deal)…and yet, here I am publicly thanking him for making a donation. Ken is always there for me with my last minute tech requests, and his support of Relay is always very appreciated.

66. Bailey Laidlaw – Bailey came up to me at the Festival of the Maples and handed me an envelope. I didn’t get a chance to check it out during the hustle and bustle. I was blown away by the generosity. Thank you so much for the amazing donation.

67. Tom Vickers – Tommy is one of the nicest people I have ever met….once again proving he is one of the nicest people I have ever met.

68. John Morrison – J-Mo was kind enough to donate some of the money that he won off me on the golf course last summer (there was plenty). I really appreciate the support and you going out of your way to make a donation Bud.

69. Russ Borrowman & Centennial Truss – Just another example of how Russ would go out of his way to support his friends. Always there for us….it is rare to find someone you can count on like we both do of Russ.

70. Victoria Schoular – Could always count on Victoria to support SJCHS Relay. Thank you so much Tor!

71. Rachel Brady – Rae was put on this earth to make everyone else’s piece of it better. She is the first person I ever told about my dream of running this race to raise money for Relay. Couldn't have got here without her.

These are the people I will think about while I am on my twelve day hike to the start line at base camp.