Father pulling 200 lbs sled across Ontario for cancer fundraiser
Mike Duhacek is halfway through his gruelling trek from Owen Sound to Oakville, pulling a 200 lbs sled 200 kilometres across Ontario.
“It has been an absolute struggle, I’m not going to lie. But, the goodness out weights the challenges,” said the 45-year-old Elora native.
Duhacek left Owen Sound on Saturday, pulling behind him a 212 lb sled he made to signify the weight on the shoulders of the 250,000 Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year.
He did something similar by walking from Windsor to Ottawa 10 years ago in honour of his mother, who at the time was battling stage four cancer.
“10 years later, my mom is a pillar of strength. She’s cancer free, and working behind the scenes on this event. For anybody that needs a little inspiration right now, you can look to that as a positive story. That the glass is half full, and we’re out there with them,” said Duhacek.
Mike Duhacek pulls a 212 lbs sled from Owen Sound, Ont. to Oakville, Ont. for the Help Me Bury Cancer fundraiser on Feb. 7, 2023. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
An avid runner, Duhacek said nothing could have prepared him for the physical toll the walk has taken on his body so far.
“My feet are ripped apart, now. As of last night, all the blisters split open. So, I’m dealing with that. I’ve got some moleskin on right now, some tape, and bandages, holding my feet together. My ankle is sore, my knees hurt, my shoulders are sore, but I’m still smiling,” he said.
With another 100 kilometres to go before reaching his Oakville finish line, Duhacek is tired, but hopeful. Which is what he’s trying to spread with his courageous trek with the weight of cancer literally dragging him down.
Mike Duhacek pulls a 212 lbs sled from Owen Sound, Ont. to Oakville, Ont. for the Help Me Bury Cancer fundraiser on Feb. 7, 2023. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“I build these relationships with people, standing on the side of the road, and hear their cancer stories, and show them that there are people out there fighting for them, and we’re on one team, and that they’re not alone,” he said.
Duhacek raised $43,000 for cancer research in his 900 km sled walk in 2013. This year, he hopes to reach $30,000, and so far, he’s raised almost $12,000.
You can learn more about Duhacek’s journey, by visiting the Help Me Bury Cancer website, where you can also follow him every step of the way, thanks to his GPS tracker.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.