Hello

 

How are you? What a wild roller coaster 2021 has been! I think it is fair to say that this has been a difficult year for so many, but we persevered through this unprecedented upheaval.

 

I am writing to share some perspective and to make a specific request.

 

Take a moment to be proud of what you’ve achieved across a year like no other.

 

Take another moment to ask the person next to you or someone you love how they are really doing. Everyone could use a listening ear in these trying times.

 

And finally, please take another moment to read this memo as your help is crucial. If you are looking to start 2022 on a good note, this is it!

 

After having fallen off the fitness wagon, I am training for IRONMAN Mont Tremblant 70.3, which will take place on June 26, 2022. I am honored to race on behalf of the Mahyar Ravani IBD Research Special Fund at Mount Sinai, a foundation that is near and dear to my heart.

 

1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis and the number of people affected is on the rise. Living with a chronic and often painful illness can easily take a toll on someone’s mental health.

 

But beyond these statistics are stories of real people, including the story of my dear friend Mahyar. Mahyar was a special person, defined by his generous spirit and dedication to those he loved. He was a driven and intelligent young man, a loving son and brother, a loyal friend, and a friendly next-door neighbour kind of co-worker. He always showed up, no matter how much he himself was struggling. Prior to his passing on August 13, 2020, he was battling with a bad ulcerative colitis flare up and was struggling to envision a suffering-free future. Mah, you left us way too soon, but I hope that your death has an infinite impact.

 

I wish I could have run it with you, but I will run it for you. And when I inevitably need extra motivation to run in the blistering cold, I will remember all you taught me, your wise words and your cult-like obsession with GoodLife. I remember those late nights at First Canadian Place in our dimmed-light office when we were all hunched over at our desks after having eaten way too much food just to ensure we maximized our dinner stipend and you’d be so excited to head over to the 24/7 gym on Yonge St. I can still picture you walking away with a smile on your face carrying your red GoodLife tote bag over your shoulder even if it was most often the case in the wee hours. I will try to embody that part of your spirit for the next 6 months.

 

I appreciate any contributions or words of encouragement for a cause that is so important to me. Your support will get me through the toughest parts of training and continue to provide me with purpose to complete every mile. Mah, I hope that wherever you are, you found your purpose, your inner peace, that I so wish you could have found here.

 

Wishing you all the best for 2022 and as Mahyar would wisely say “Do whatever makes your heart smile”

 

Naomie

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