Walking for a cause

August 31, 2008

Walking for a cause

Local woman raises funds for McMaster Children's Hospital

Donna Domitrek wouldn't have spent her Labour Day weekend any other way.

Domitrek, 58, of Welland, began her hike on Saturday, Aug. 30 from the Sobey's

on Highway 20 in Fonthill, to McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton.

With over 100 kilometres of walking ahead of her, she isn't doing it just

for fun.

She's doing it to raise money for the hospital which treats her

five-year-old granddaughter, Jessi-Lyn, who was diagnosed with juvenile

rheumatoid arthritis.

JRA is a childhood version of the joint-swelling disease, but no less

severe, making Jessi-Lyn often unable to walk or even get out of bed.

Domitrek had previously hoped her granddaughter would start the walk with

her, but due to Jessi-Lyn's recent condition she wasn't able to do so.

" Jessi-Lyn hasn't been feeling well lately, " she said, seeming more

motivated than ever to complete the journey.

Domitrek was in high spirits after a few hours of walking, making good time

and glowing about the " perfect weather " conditions.

When she began the walk at 7 a.m., she had already raised $4,200 for her

cause, only $800 shy of her original goal, which she'd been collecting over

the past six weeks.

" I want to say to those who donated, you have no idea how much your support

meant. I'm very grateful for every penny we received. "

As she walked along Highway 20, her son-in-law, Brent Hough, Jessi-Lyn's

father, followed closely behind in a truck, with trailer in tow, to ensure

Domitrek's safety and to give her a place to rest when needed.

" He's a great dad, " said Domitrek, adding, " there's nothing he wouldn't do

for his kids. "

Once reaching the 10 kilometre mark, Domitrek said she was " feeling great "

and had already had a few people stop to donate money.

Travelling roughly 36 kilometres a day, she hopes to reach McMaster by 2

p.m. on Monday Sept. 1, with Jessi-Lyn there to help present the cheque to

the treatment centre.

In the future, Domitrek said she hopes to have some sort of fundraising

event each year at this time, because she " can't think of a cause more

worthy than the children. "

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