Spirits were high at the conservation area here on April 28 as participants gathered for the third annual Avery’s Bravery Race.
Mom Christine Bond reported on April 30, “We are still working on totals, but we should clear at least $5,000 and we had about 250 people this year, with over 70 kids in the 100 metre dash.”
This year’s event at included a Locks of Love Challenge by Megan’s Hair Salon prior to the race, as well as a warm-up session led by Margaret Iutzi of Fit-to-be-Tried Personal Fitness Training.
The 100 metre kids Heart Pumper dash proved to be a hit as they sped past the Guelph-Eramosa fire truck to the finish line.
In addition to various runs and walks, there was face painting, a bouncy castle – a hit with Avery in particular – crafts, interactive demos by Bulldog Interactive Fitness for Youth and Tri City Martial Arts for the kids.
On return, there was a barbecue hosted by RBC Rockwood, door prizes, post-race refreshments and free post-race massages by Tranquil Therapeutic Solutions.
Behind the race
Avery Bond was born on March 13, 2009 and lives in Rockwood with parents Christine and Randy Bond and big sister Taylor.
Christine explained Avery was born with Turner’s Syndrome, which sometimes comes with a heart condition.
“We didn’t know that she had it, but afterwards her breathing changed and we had to take her to McMaster Hospital,” said Christine.
Avery was transferred to Sick Kids, where she underwent life-saving heart surgery at 13 days of age to repair a coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the main aortic valve). After surgery she developed swallowing issues due to vocal chord damage and she was sent home two weeks later with a feeding tube in her nose.
“She’s been doing awesome ever since,” Christine said.
Avery fought back and is now a healthy, thriving girl who Christine says is full of life and lets nothing stop her from achieving her goals.
“We want to celebrate Avery’s third year after heart surgery and give back to Sick Kids Hospital for saving her life. To date $13,000 has been raised,” said Christine Bond.
“It’s Avery’s third annual Avery’s Bravery Race. This year we have a 2km, 5km, 100 metre dash for kids 10 and under.” She noted the two-year total is over $13,000.
All the money goes to Sick Kids; its research and learning building and its bravery beads program. Beads are given to children each time they have an operation.
Avery’s Turners Syndrome, causes several other health complications, but she is doing well.
“We have a checkup coming up again in October; it’s been two years since her last one since she was doing so well. We’re hoping for good things,” Christine said.
“Her main thing today was to be in the bouncy castle. She just wants to do all the fun things.”
Christine believes Avery is now old enough to understand what the event is about – and she is pretty excited about it.
