Strides and Smiles

Hey everyone! My name is Haley Davis and in the summer of 2019 I was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumour. I had an emergency surgery and am extremely grateful for the care and support I’ve received! However, over this past winter, we got news that there were still some residual cells that remained. So at the end of January 2021, I received a second craniotomy and have just completed my six weeks of radiation therapy. This experience has been truly eye-opening and makes me realize just how fortunate I am compared to so many people battling various diseases and cancers.

That is why on May 1st, which is brain cancer awareness month, I will be running 150km over the course of 5 days along the Guelph to Goderich (G2G) Rail Trail, which are two of my homes.  As an avid runner and member of the University of Guelph's track and cross country team, running means a lot to me and I believe this is a great opportunity for me and the incredible people in my life to give back. In Canada, approximately 50,000 people are affected by brain tumours each year and nearly 1 in 2 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer throughout their lifetime. I am running for all of those who are unfit and unable to do so. I hope this is just the beginning of my journey, as I ultimately hope to contribute more in some way, but given the proximity of treatment, this is the safest and best option right now. In doing this run, I am hoping to raise $10,000 to donate to The Terry Fox Foundation and The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. I am reaching out to you if you are willing to donate in any way shape or form, anything will make a difference! If you are interested in more information about my route, the charities, ordering a shirt and other info, please feel free to check out this instagram: strides.and.smiles or my personal account: haley.davis_____