October 15, 2016
WPS Remembers Joanne
Hello fellow runners:
We all run for our own reasons. Some it is for the peace and solitude of the road, for others the challenge is to push ourselves physically and mentally and for some, it is really just about living a healthy lifestyle and staying in shape.
Regardless of your reason, the Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon, 2-Person Relay and 5K Run has something for you. This is a reminder that registrations for the 2017 Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon that will take place on May 7, 2017 are now open.
Over the years, our team of volunteers has been dedicated to providing a great running event but also raising awareness and funds on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Just a few months ago, we were sadly reminded about the realities of a cancer diagnosis with the loss of a WPS Half Marathon legend, Joanne Scheiwe.
Jo was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer in the spring of 2015. At the time, she was given 12 to 18 months to live. She was one of a kind. She did not fit into any mold - never mind cancer patient. She had run marathons, competed in an Ironman Triathlon and participated in dozens of half marathons, mud runs, obstacle courses and anything else that challenged someone's fitness.
In Jo's words
Where others might retreat, Jo chose to fight - not only for life but for the lives of other cancer patients. Through rounds of chemo treatment she ran and put service others ahead of herself by raising awareness for the cause that would ultimately take her from us. Watch the video to hear from Joanne why running and research matters.
Jo also ran in the Winnipeg Police Half Marathon, and when she was not healthy enough, she ran the 2-person relay. In the process, she raised more than $80,000 for brain cancer research.
This was important to her for two reasons:
- Brain cancer has a survival rate of just 25%; and most importantly,
- It is the leading cause of cancer death among children
On August 29, 2016 we lost Jo. In the wake of her death we were touched by the number of people who came to us saying that we needed to find a way to keep her positive spirit alive and change the course for others through her strength and leadership.
You can keep Joanne`s legacy alive through a donation that will be doubled to fight brain cancer. Just click here to keep Jo`s mission moving forward. Together we can fund a brain research team in her honour.
As always, please email us at questions@wpshalfmarathon.ca if we can be of assistance!
Thank you!
Nick Paulet
Race Director
