93-year-old to walk for breast cancer

BY NADIA RAHMAN

It’s not everyday you see a 93-year-old walk 60 kilometres for breast cancer.

However, Allan Marjerison is one such person. He will be taking part in the Jewish General Hospital’s Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk from Aug. 24 to 26 alongside thousands of other men and women who have decided to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

The Pointe Claire resident felt it was the right time in his life to participate in this walk, because for him it was an opportunity to do something. “I was inspired by what other people were doing and it seemed like something good to do,” he said.

However, Marjerison will not be alone. Walking alongside him will be his daughter, Elaine, who took part in the walk

last year.

“I have friends who fought [breast cancer] and friends who are currently fighting it,” she said. “I thought to myself, hey, I can do this.”

Both father and daughter are part of a six-member team, Get Out & Walk, which also includes Elaine’s friends, one of whom is a cancer survivor.

Allan keeps fit through his daily walks to the train station. From there, he heads downtown to Tyndale St. Georges, where he has been going everyday as a volunteer for 30 years. He has also been preparing for the march by participating in a few training walks since early last fall.

“I’m really proud of him,” said daughter Elaine. “I am touched by his care for people; his life is based on giving.”

Marjerison feels similarly about his daughter. “My daughter is a jewel and she is a great comfort to me,” he said.

In order to participate in the walk, each participant has to raise at least $2,000, an objective that both Marjerison and his daughter have surpassed.

Their fundraising efforts have included potluck dinners, garage sales, and generous donations from friends and family.

“I had to learn to say that this money is not for me, it’s an important cause and you can save lives,” said Elaine.

Any amount of money is highly regarded to Elaine, as it goes towards breast cancer research, which brings us a step closer to finding a cure.“I have a saying that goes, no amount is too small and no amount is too large,” she said.

Allan’s fighting spirit is embodied in his determination to take part in the walk in turn for all the blessings he has received in his life.

“I’ve been so fortunate with my good health so you’d like to feel like you are giving something back,” he said.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so online at www.endcancer.ca.ꆱ