Cochranite Johnena Stenske is ready to march in September for a good cause – The Kidney March.
The three-day trek starts Sept. 5 near Millarville, Alta. Participants will make their way into Kananaskis Country and along the foothills until they reach Calgary Sept. 7, where there will be a closing ceremony. There will be overnight camping and amenities along the route.
Each participant has agreed to raise a minimum of $2,200 in order to participate in the event. Proceeds benefit the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
“In order to meet my fundraising goal, I am working hard to access every networking community that I have access to,” Stenske said in a letter outlining her mission. “I would love to be able to exceed this goal.”
Stenske is in her third year of a kinesiology degree at the University of Calgary and attended Cochrane High School. She lives part time in Cochrane and Water Valley.
She said this is the 5th year the march has raised money for organ donation, research about the disease and support of kidney health programs.
She said most importantly, the goal is to increase awareness in order to promote prevention of kidney disease.
“Since my father passed away from his battle with cancer when I was 11 years old, I have always wanted to join a cause and help raise money,” said Stenske. “When I heard about The Kidney March early this spring, I decided that it would be the perfect way for me to make a difference.”
She said the walk would be challenging for her, both mentally and physically and she is inspired by how many participants are from her hometown, Cochrane.
In order to prepare for the walk, Stenske said she has been training by walking several hours each weekend, and fitting in shorter walks in the evenings during the week.
As of Aug. 12, she said she had raised $628.
For more information, or to help Stenske reach hear goal, contact [email protected] or visit kidneymarch.ca.
