Why I Run: Karen’s Story

Kadin was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was nine years old. While he was in SickKids undergoing treatment, he began attending Campfire Circle’s programs.

“They came in to do activities with him and then invited him to camp,” says his mom Karen. “I remember being very hesitant at first. I never had him go to other camps before. They explained to me that the doctors would be onsite, and how it might be good for him to be around kids who are going through the same ordeal.”

Kadin attended a weekend at camp and absolutely loved it. Then, he went on a week-long session at Muskoka. “I was nervous dropping him off on the first day. I just didn’t know what to expect,” says Karen. “But a week later when I picked him up, I saw him saying goodbye to other kids, and I could just tell that they really got along. And he was already looking forward to the next one.”

Now, Kadin is 19 years old and graduated from camp. He’s a Political Science major and looking to study law. Over the years, he learned how to play the guitar and gained valuable leadership and coaching skills while at camp. Looking back, Karen thinks he never missed a year at Muskoka.

“Camp was always his thing. He made a lot of friends there. It was important for him to have his own circle and his own interests,” says Karen.

Seeing how camp really made an impact on her son is why Karen decided to participate in the Sporting Life 10K in support of Campfire Circle.

“Prior to his diagnosis, he was a very active kid. Since the cancer was in his left femur, he lost the ability to run. So that really fueled me to run for him,” says Karen. “I had never done a 10K before, but I knew it was a matter of setting goals for myself and pushing myself to run it.”

This will be the third year Karen is taking part in the event and she is excited to have a team: We Run Tings.

“Every year, fundraising gets a little easier. I get out there to tell my story. I saw the impact that camp has on kids. I know the quality of camp and the quality of programs. I know the funds are going to a good cause.”

Learn more about the Sporting Life 10K.