“I’m there to support a great cause. Anyone can do it – you have to start somewhere and progress.”
Lindsay Doyle has been participating in the Charity Challenge for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon for over 15 years, and she’s back again this year – her first attempt at a half marathon (21 kilometres)! She did it, and we at Gilda’s Toronto are so proud that she completed it and raised funds again for Gilda’s Toronto’s cancer support groups and programs. She started with her mother, Ricki Harris, one of the founders of Gilda’s Toronto.
“I started supporting Gilda’s Toronto as my mother and her friends Linda Rechtsman, Helen Burstyn and Lorna Rosenstein founded Gilda’s Toronto. Of course, I would to be there to support them.”
Lindsay got on the bandwagon through her mother, but her enthusiasm for Gilda’s Toronto keeps her going. She loves the positivity and the energy in the fundraising and on Race Day. She encourages others to try it for themselves.
Lindsay is now a fitness professional but wasn’t one when she started supporting Gilda’s Toronto. She credits her participation in the Waterfront Run since her early 20s. She’d always been passionate about all types of fitness exercise, health and wellness, so this initiative was a no-brainer, and she was excited about raising the funds for Gilda’s Toronto.
Lindsay has a great network of supporters who keep returning each year to support her Run for Gilda’s Toronto. But this year marked her first half-marathon, and she hopes people would donate generously since she was running a greater distance. She raised even more than last year and was once again Gilda’s top fundraiser, as she has been for over 12 years.
The Toronto Waterfront Run is also very personal for Lindsay.
“The year my uncle passed away from cancer, we walked the 5K as a family group in honour of my Uncle David Harris.”
What keeps Lindsay coming back? “That’s simple”, she says. “Gilda’s Toronto is such an important and unique organization. Few organizations address the social, emotional and mental aspects of cancer, while offering comprehensive support for the entire family. Their efforts contribute to fostering a sense of community, recognizing the widespread impact of cancer on numerous individuals.”
Plus, there’s also the excitement of Race Day!
“The energy on the day is so awesome. You’re not only getting the exercise and fresh air, but you’re making connections, and you’re supporting one another.”
But what if you’re hesitating and aren’t sure you can run 5 kilometres? Lindsay has some words of encouragement for you.
“We all have to start somewhere. Just think of the amount of walking we do every day – it adds up! I bet your total is more than 5K. Anybody can partake in this race event, no matter your fitness level. It’s just about putting in the effort and staying committed to progressing. When you run or walk for a charity like Gilda’s Toronto, you’re not just doing something for yourself – you’re supporting an important cause.”