Follow Ramesh's Journey

Ten years ago, I left Bishophurst – my parents’ home in Sault Ste. Marie – to attend college in Thunder Bay. I was a fresh graduate from Sir James Dunn High School, and it was time to move on to the next stage of life. Today, 10 years later, I’m leaving Bishophurst again. Cycle to Walk has brought me to this house one last time, but again, it’s time to move on. Canadians need to know that polio is still an issue, and that with just a bit more commitment, we can end it forever.

This morning my former high school teacher, Mary Ludlow, treated us not to room service, but to home service! Mary, who lives just down the street from Bishophurst, prepared gourmet coffee and brought it over for us to enjoy. On top of that, she prepared road meals and snacks that will keep us going for some time. Thanks, Mary, for all of your kindness and support. I know Carly, Bertha and Chris especially appreciate your efforts, as they each drink about as much coffee as I drink in liquids on a cycling day!

After leaving the house, we were treated to breakfast by the Diocese of Algoma’s Synod Office staff. Christine Wright, Administrator for the Bishop of Algoma, has been so wonderful to the Ferris family over the years. My dad travels a lot, and if we ever needed to know where he was, Christine would always put us in touch. As Cycle to Walk neared Sault Ste. Marie, Christine was once again a great help, as she arranged keys for pick up and accepted deliveries on our behalf. To all of the Synod Office staff, thanks for taking such great care of my father and for showing so much support for Cycle to Walk. The team really enjoyed breakfast this morning.
We cycled safely through Sault Ste. Marie today thanks to a police escort for the team and local supporters. Thank you to Constable Hilda Hohmeyer for ensuring everyone’s safety and thank you to all of the cyclists who joined us today. Not only have many you participated in today’s cycle, you have also been busy organizing Cycle to Walk events in the months prior to our arrival. Your hard work means so much to us.

As we approached the exit to St. Joseph’s Island, we met with Reverend Rosalie Goos, Executive Archdeacon Harry Huskins, and parishioners from Garden River, St. Joseph’s Island and St. Luke’s Cathedral. We were given the chance to discuss the campaign and its goals before being presented with donations. The team appreciated the roadside support, donations and words of encouragement very much.
The cycling day ended in Bruce Mines, and I’d like to share an email that I just received from my new friend Tucker:

Hi, my name is Tucker and I am 6. I saw you on your bike in Bruce Mines
and gave you my allowance of $5.00 because my cousin can’t walk either. He
has cerebral palsy. I hope you get all your money to help people who have polio.

Your friend,
Tucker

Take care everyone!

Ramesh