On a cloudy and slightly cool Saturday, July 21 morning, friends and family of Cindy Kruk were at Saywell Park getting ready for their long trek to Duncan.
At 9:15 a.m., pumped and ready to go, these 15 people set off after only a couple of weeks of fundraising. Following along with them were two SureSpan Structure pilot trucks carrying refreshments and snacks donated by Lake Cowichan Country Grocer.
Kruk was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in March and has since undergone surgery and is in the process of receiving treatment to try an eradicate any remaining cancerous cells.
The surgery and the treatment mean that she will not be able to work for at least six months and will be facing extra medical expenses.
The walk to Duncan is about 20 kilometers less than the Great Lake Walk coming up in September and participants commented that though they were a little daunted by the distance, they knew they had to see it through.
“There are a variety of walkers,” said Skramstad, one of the organizers. “We may all jump in the river after to cool off and so we can get up tomorrow.”
At the end of the line, the group of walkers and other supporters met at the Duncan firehall for the “Cindy Rellas Royal Ball,” which included food and the chance to participate in a raffle, and a 50/50 draw, along with other fun fundraising options.
Giselle Mister, another of the organizers and friend of Kruk says that it was a very successful event and, “everybody made it to the end all in one piece.”
