Today, May 28th 2016 Brienna Wells and myself Co-Hosted the 3rd Annual Kamloops Walk for PKU at MacArthur Island Kamloops BC Canada. From 1:3o to 3:30 pm . We had around 60 attendees including the Honorable BC Health Minister and local MLA Terry Lake,  Kamloops City Council member Arjun Singh . As well as The President of Canadian PKU and Allied Disorders John Adams himself. Who flew in from Toronto to join us on this rainy overcast day.

We spent the first few moments socializing and mingling. I got to meet my daughter Madelyn to Terry Lake. She had just woken up so she was shy on smiles for the first part of the day.

We opened the event with a few works from John Adams , who presented Terry Lake with a friend of PKU award. Terry said a few words and talked about his part in our PKU community as well as how we met and what we have done so far , with mention of Kuvan in the future.  Councillor Arjun said a few words, He even mentioned he reads my blog!!!! What an honour!  After I thanked everyone for coming and how great it was to see so many supports. I thanked Bri for her hard work and dedication. This event would not have been possible with out her!  John then announced the walk and everyone headed out in small groups around the park.  Cole, myself, Bri and Amanda J stayed behind.  I did walk out to the end of the trail to meet everyone on their way back to take photos, and I had the pleasure of walking back with Councillor Arjun.  We where able to connect briefly and discuss some of my history with diet .  I do hope to keep in contact and further our conversation in the future.

After we enjoyed refreshments of cake donated by Costco and low protein cupcakes and donuts baked by Bri. Coffee and regular donuts donated from Tim Hortons. We had another chance to bid on the Silent Auction and then we wrapped up the event and announced our grand total.

Insert Drum Roll Here:

We raised 1500 Dollars for Canadian PKU and Allied Disorders INC !

The Event was a huge success. Our biggest yet. It was truly amazing to see so many families out showing their support of our community. It made me quiet emotional. I had trouble speaking and looking back now I wish I had of said more. OR at least taken Madelyn out of her Ergo carrier so she could see Terry Lake  , or we could have had a photo with her actually looking out.

Madelyn was awake until Terry Left then she passed out on my chest in her carrier till the end.

For those of you who are wondering, Madelyn is doing very well. She is the light of our lives and such a wonderful baby. The changes and advancements I see in her daily astound me.

If you had of told me years ago that one day  I would be standing in front of a crowd of PKU families , friends and supporters next to the BC Health Minister holding my baby girl on my chest I could not have imagined.  Madelyn is so healthy and she is because of my amazing control of my diet, which I could not have done with out the Low Protein Food Subsidy that Terry Lake made possible.

So in away, with out Terry Lake, Madelyn would not be with us today. He has changed out lives, and the lives of all the PKU patients in BC.  We are forever grateful.

So wraps up another annual PKU event. Chalked up as a great success and already has my wheels turning for next year.  Always striving for Bigger and better.  Ways to improve, things to change or add . We learn each time.

If you would like to host a PKU Walk-A-thon please feel free to contact me for advice or visit the new CanPKU website.