The sun was shining and the temperatures were climbing for the third annual Alive to Strive Race. Conditions were perfect for the 533 runners and walkers who completed the 10km run, 5km, 5km team challenge and the 1km walk/run.  Race results are available at QuidChrono.

The day kicked off with the 10km run at Hog’s Back Road.  Shortly before the 5km, Mayor Jim Watson shared words of encouragement with the crowd and then started participants on their marks.  The team challenge took off next with 18 teams dashing off the start line. At Terry Fox, many walkers and runners took part in the 1km around the track. Throughout the morning, participants crossed the finish line with big smiles. Many took part in the event with family and friends, sharing hugs, high-fives, and a delicious lunch after the race.  Among those families were Tyler Huneault and his mom, Ida. Tyler was pacing his mom in the 5km race and together they achieved their goal of crossing the finish line in under 30 minutes!

The energy of race day was something quite special. From the enthusiastic participants and volunteers, to the families, friends and spectators cheering along the way, the energy, sportsmanship and camaraderie were remarkable.

The race could not have been a success without its volunteers. Approximately 120 volunteers cheered on participants, their energy and enthusiasm carrying runners and walkers through to the finish line on the Terry Fox track. They manned the registration tables, set up barricades, handed out water, directed runners on the course, served lunch, and helped with countless other duties. Race day went smoothly thanks to their invaluable contributions.

Several media also came out to the event to talk with participants, including our race champion Diana Aiello, and Jason Dunkerley and his wife Colleen Hayes. It was great to share the Alive to Strive story with them and promote awareness of kidney disease.

The race also could not have happened without the generous support of our sponsors! We thank our Gold sponsor Fresenius Medical Care, and our Silver sponsors Sanofi, Alexion, Gambro, and Collins Barrow. As well, thank you to our bronze sponsors AMGEN, Janssen, Sterling Ford and Rockland Ford, MMM Group, BHC Medical, CIBC Wood Gundey, Goodlife Fitness, Graham Construction, Papineau-Eyking Team – Keller Williams Ottawa Realty and Royal Lepage. We greatly appreciate your generosity and your support for this race that makes a positive impact in the lives of those living with chronic kidney disease.

We are thrilled to tell you that this year’s race helped to raise approximately $17,000 for the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project as well as for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Ottawa Kidney Research Centre. Thank you for your participation in the race and for supporting those living with chronic kidney disease to stay healthy and active!

We can’t wait to see you again next year for another great event!

Twenty years ago, Ottawa resident Diana Aiello was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.  As her kidney function decreased, Diana began daily dialysis treatments that left her too exhausted and lethargic to be physically active.

Today, Diana hits the gym five days a week and keeps fitness a top priority thanks to a fitness grant from the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project.

“The fitness grant has changed my life,” says Diana, who does yoga, strength training and zumba. “I have more drive and ‘pep’ to do things with my ten year-old daughter. I feel like a new person.” Diana received a one-year membership to the Athletic Club and worked with a personal trainer. She lost 23 pounds and 20 inches in the first 3 months.

“Over the years, being sick and on dialysis, I lost a lot of muscle mass,” reflects Diana. “Now my muscles are coming back. I enjoy activities again, like bike rides and walks, and playing with my daughter. I am much happier, mentally and physically.”

Alive to Strive offers fitness and weight loss grants to patients of the Ottawa Hospital who are on dialysis or with kidney function below 30 per cent.

In recognition of her results, Diana was named this year’s Alive to Strive Race Champion. “I want to inspire others with kidney disease, to serve as an example of what is possible when you make that promise to yourself to be healthy and active.”

Funding for the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project is made possible through the Alive to Strive Race, which is taking place on April 28 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

Diana will participate in the 5km race on a team with other Ottawa Hospital dialysis patients. “I’m looking forward to getting to the start line with my team. We each have a story of how we got there.”

Reflecting on how far she’s come, Diana is committed to her long-term health. “I want to stay strong and healthy to be ready for a kidney transplant. I would like to have a longer life for my daughter. She is my life and what I live for.”

And that is what being alive to strive is all about.

 Register online for the Alive to Strive Race before April 24. 

Huneaults’ determination and commitment embody spirit of Alive to Strive

Fourteen year-old Tyler Huneault and his mother, Ida, are participating in this year’s Alive to Strive 5km Race on April 28. Theirs is a special story, one of a mother and son inspiring each other and finding joy in every day.

When Tyler was diagnosed with kidney disease at 10 years of age, his world suddenly changed. “Two weeks into the new and unexpected world of kidney disease, my 10 year-old little boy, confused, frightened, and until that point a carefree boy, leaned into me, head on my shoulder and said, ‘Will my kidney’s ever start working again?,” remembers Ida. “My direct answer was, ‘I don’t think so.’”

For three years, Tyler continued dialysis treatments. In December 2011, he received a kidney transplant, and he and his family have been celebrating every day since then.

And that is why Tyler and Ida are lacing up together on April 28^th.

Ida explains, “Tyler has a quality of resilience and inspiration. He has once again inspired me to put my running shoes on and challenge myself against his electric wheel chair. I have committed to getting Tyler across the finish line of the Alive to Strive 5 km race in 30 minutes.

And just like the name says – alive to strive – Ty can do it….but will I. I now know I can’t do it alone and am challenging friends and others to face this with me. Why? To commit to those that live with kidney disease. To celebrate life. To physically be a presence and to say, ‘Yes, you own this, but you are not alone. We will get you where you need to go, together.’”

Ida’s words capture the spirit of the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project. The organization dedicates itself to educating and supporting those living with chronic kidney disease to achieve their dreams by gaining a better level of fitness, while connecting people living with the disease.

“On this journey, we met Marie-Eve Chainey at the first annual run to raise funds for those with kidney disease and help them lead healthier lives,” adds Ida. “We were in the middle of our dialysis story. We witnessed reunions between the children and dialysis nurses and the children who were no longer children but had grown up – they were thriving survivors. We too were going to remain alive.”

On April 28^th, when Tyler and Ida race, they will not be alone. They will be surrounded by hundreds of runners and walkers who share their commitment to make a difference in the lives of those living with kidney disease.

Join them on race day and celebrate life.

Watch Tyler and Marie-Eve on the CTV Morning Show

Get psyched for the 5km Team Challenge on April 28! Gather your colleagues, your sports teammates, your club members, your family members, and form a team for the annual 5km Team Challenge.

How does it work? Teams are a minimum of 4 people and maximum of 10 people. The top four times of a team’s walkers and runners will be counted toward the team’s overall time.

Here’s your chance to unleash your creative side and come up with a fun name! Need some inspiration? Check out these names of teams already registered: The Toe Jammers, The Avengers, Shenanigans and Mustache Rides, Life is a Good Run.

There will be a free lunch, information booths, yoga classes, health checks, massage therapy and plenty of prizes.

Plus, Mayor Jim Watson is attending this year! 5km participants will have the chance to see Mayor Watson up close and personal when he addresses the crowd at the start of the 5km race.

Kick off the race season right with the Alive to Strive Race on April 28. Get active and support kidney health!