HAMILTON – Shelley Wickenheiser regularly competes in Ironman triathlons, which are regarded as some of the most difficult races in the world.
But on one sunny day in September 2018, the Elora resident’s future in sports was jeopardized when she was struck by a car while riding her bicycle.
Wickenheiser was airlifted to the Trauma Centre at Hamilton General Hospital for urgent care.
She required casts for her broken arm and ankle, stitches for the cuts on her face and minimally invasive surgery for her fractured vertebrae.
As she was recovering, Wickenheiser was motivated and focused on being able to participate in physically challenging sports once again.
“I made it clear to my caregivers that my version of ‘normal’ isn’t just being able to walk again,” she says.
“I wanted to run, bike, swim and compete in long-distance triathlons. My doctors reassured me that I should be able to partake in these activities again with proper recovery and rehabilitation.
“That was what I needed to hear and I was prepared to do the work to get there.”
After nine months of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Wickenheiser competed in a half-Ironman triathlon in June 2019 and beat her previous recorded time.
Nearly a year after her accident, she participated in Strides For The General and was the year’s top individual fundraiser.
In December 2019, Wickenheiser competed in a full-Ironman triathlon.
“The trauma unit is one of the best in the world and there’s only so much they can do on government funding alone,” she said.
“That’s why it’s important that the community donates.”
Wickenheiser has been selected as a Strides For The General Patient Ambassador this year.
She is sharing her story to inspire community support for the event.
Hamilton General Hospital Foundation’s 10th annual Strides For The General has transitioned to a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Sept. 10 to 19, participants are invited to run or walk in their communities and fundraise for priority needs at Hamilton General Hospital, the Regional Rehabilitation Centre and St. Peter’s Hospital.
Registration is $20 and participants can register for a 5km walk or run, or 10km run. This year’s goal is to raise $150,000.
Both individuals and teams are encouraged to participate in the event.
To register and fundraise visit: hamiltonhealth.ca/strides.
Officials say the event is also “recognizing the incredible frontline workers (from any sector) that have made a difference in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Participants can nominate a frontline hero on the Strides For The General website and their name will appear on the virtual “Wall of Thanks.”
