Follow Ramesh's Journey

The joy of effort is one of the main motivational themes for students at Jack MacKenzie Elementary School. Today was a joyous one indeed, The team was welcomed to the School by Mr. Jack MacKenzie himself, and Brad Howard, Principal of the School. There, we shared Cycle to Walk’s message of Polio Eradication, Education, and Rehabilitation with the students, which is one of my favourite aspects of this campaign. I feel that the joy of effort is a motto that fits very well with the Cycle to Walk campaign. I feel joy in knowing that the effort put in to the Cycle to Walk campaign will help children around the world live lives without polio, and help polio survivors live with dignity, and not in the dirt. Thanks to Mr. Mackenzie and all of the students and staff for your excitement and support for the Cycle to Walk campaign.

The Rotary Club of Regina invited the Cycle to Walk team to present at today’s noon hour meeting, and there was an excellent discussion afterwards. Thanks to all the Rotarians who donated to the Cycle to Walk campaign, epitomizing another motto, the Rotary call of service above self. I hope other Rotarians across the country will recognize Cycle to Walk’s partnership with Rotary International’s Polio Plus program, lead the way, and challenge themselves to match or beat your generous donation today. Together, we can bring the goal of global polio eradication back to the forefront in Canada, and spread the message that polio remains an issue in this world.

This afternoon, several team members toured the RCMP Academy, Depot Division, and shared the Cycle to Walk message with their guide, Constable Dan Toppings. While the team learned about the rigours of RCMP training, I was at the hospital with Carly getting the cast on my ankle replaced. While we were there, doctors reassessed my ankle and confirmed that the new cast will need to stay on until Thunder Bay. Don’t worry, though: I feel great and ready to cycle in to the Province of Manitoba shortly - particularly after a fantastic deep tissue massage by Carolyn Morse at the Kelly Avenue Massage Clinic.

The Cycle to Walk team would like to extend a big thank you to Terry and Heather Brownell, as well as Gordon and Wilma Ward for opening up your homes over the past four nights in Regina. A special thanks to Heather Brownell and Craig Lenz for working with the Cycle to Walk head office to coordinate events in the Regina area.

Nathan Brownell, a five-year-old Cycle to Walk supporter was very excited to share gifts with Carly, Chris and I. Each of us was given a rock with something written on it: Carly’s said “Follow Your Dreams,“ Chris’ said “Friends,“ and mine said “Courage.“ Nathan, we will carry these rocks across the country, and will always treasure the friendship we developed with you over these past couple of days.

The joy of effort: Together we must fulfill the dream of making this a polio free world!

Good night everyone, and take care.

Ramesh