Day 100 August 14, 2011 Day off Kenora – Guest Blog Lauren Senft
22 Aug
A day is measured in seconds, minutes and hours but today was a day like never before.
The time seemed to flow effortlessly as though one was holding onto each moment to ensure it was ingrained into memory for a lifetime. One of those memories you would recall for years to come and share with old friends and new friends as time passes by year after year.
The day began with excitement and energy still beaming from yesterday’s incredible news of Riley and Sarah’s engagement. August or September, Vancouver and Ireland, and how momma Jeannie was still at a loss for words were many of the topics discussed around the breakfast table.
Thankfully the beautiful and inspiring Erin Anderson was able to bring us all back to reality through a tough but rejuvenating yoga session on the dock. Fifteen members from our camp, arranged in a circle to ensure we didn’t cheat, moved through sun salutations and chataranga under the hot morning sun of the lake. A huge shout out to Dave Bell who took part in his first yoga class and downward dog showing that his support for Riley goes beyond just helping with the Step Into Action campaign. Our yoga session ended with a communal swim in the lake and a singing of Happy Birthday to the elegant Erin Anderson. Thank you Erin, for sharing your energy with all of us on your special day.
Several family members passed by camp during lunch upon hearing the news of Riley and Sarah’s engagement. Megan and Ben Boult with their son Jamie were among them who continued to provide a sense of lightness and energy to the air. The adorable Jamie took many turns pushing Riley into the water, which sparked many laughs and entertainment. After lunch it was time to prepare for the big event: Rod Senft and John Zaplatynsky’s 65th Birthday Celebration. Tonight would be particularly special as both Rod and John are Prostate Cancer Fighters and were sharing their birthday together to help raise awareness of a disease that has affected so many of those in our lives in the past and present. Tonight would be more than just a birthday event but a moment to show how much the men in our lives mean to us.
The celebration took place at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club. Two life size cardboard cutouts of Rod and John greeted guests. The sun continued to shine upon us as familiar faces from childhood, high school, university, work, and the lake swarmed the deck for cocktails. Our MC for the night, Don Konantz took to the steps to welcome everyone and introduce the famous birthday boys. With the cheers and singing of Happy Birthday before entering the doors of the Yacht Club it was evident immediately the impact these two individuals have had on the lives of their guests. A delicious carrot cake designed with the famous Step Into Action Finger and 65 candles was presented to the birthday boys.
Following dinner, Don Konantz shed some light on the significance of early detection and why raising awareness for Prostate Cancer was so important to Rod and John. He introduced the three main men involved with the Step Into Action campaign.
Dave Bell, our campaign manager, explained to the crowd how he was one of the first individuals to actually believe Riley when he mentioned over a beer during Christmas last year that he would run across Canada. Dave did a wonderful job articulating how the design of the logo was created and why he felt moved to become involved with Step Into Action.
Michael Downie had his movie debut by providing us with a short video of a regular day on the road through the eyes of Riley. I can’t help but get emotional when I watch Riley running out in the middle of nowhere with semi trailers and deer passing him by in the rain, the humidity, in the dark and all alone. The story of how Mike and Riley first met, Mike an eleven year old camper and Riley his camp counsellor is a true testament to the bond that was created years ago.
Riley was the last to speak and shared with us why he has chosen to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer. There was a lot of laughter in the room as Riley expressed how people stop and ask him if he needs a lift when they see him on the road. Or the look on drivers’ faces as he walks down random highways eating pasta out of a bowl when no one else is around or on the road. One theme is that contradictory advice is received daily. However, the one consensus is that Riley should marry Sarah. Thank you Riley for officially providing me with the sister I’ve always dreamed of having.
The night carried on with lots of dancing thanks to the band David Caissy Productions. Overall the night was a huge success not just because it was a celebration of two special individuals. It was also because everyone came together and raised a total $100,000 dollars in donations. We created a moment together and took one more step in helping raise awareness for Prostate Cancer.
The night ended and I found myself sitting in bed exhausted and overwhelmed by such an incredible weekend. I officially have a new sister, $100,000 dollars was donated thanks to amazing friends and supporters, and most of all I got to see Riley be the happiest I have ever seen him in all the years I have known him.
In Yoga terms we love the expression Namaste meaning “I bow to the light within you”. I will forever carry today with me for the way that it has moved me and shown that anything is possible. To Rod, John, Don and Riley…….. Namaste.
