Peninsula teenager Will Heine has an inspiring story about his battle with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
Diagnosed in May 2015, the 17-year-old has helped raise thousands for BC Children’s Hospital, where he received treatment.
Now, he’s in remission.
But this year’s “Champion Child” for the RBC Race for the Kids says he wants to shine a light on his running coach, Ward Beemer, who is repeating an effort made the year Heine was diagnosed: running from White Rock to Queen Elizabeth Park, where he’ll wrap up the jaunt by participating in the five-kilometre Race for the Kids.
“He’s a really cool guy,” Heine said of Beemer.
“He was my mom’s running coach before he started with me. I started to run with my mom and him, and then I got sick.”
Heine described Beemer’s plan as “amazing.”
The charity run, set for this Sunday, is BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s signature event. Since 1986, it has raised more than $12 million in support of childhood cancer research and treatment.
Last year, Heine and his Team Willpower teammates raised more than $26,000, earning the title of top community team fundraiser.
So far this year, Team Willpower has raised $3,620, and Heine – who recently returned from a Make-A-Wish trip to Costa Rica – is hopeful that some publicity for his coach’s efforts will inspire others to pitch in.
To donate, visit www.bcchf.ca