Pushing Our Limits for a Greater Cause

Today, I’m sharing how a charity project meant to help others is also pushing me to go beyond my personal limits. It’s a beautiful example of how supporting a good cause can help us reach goals we might not have thought possible. And this spring, I’m going to do that!

A Cause Close to My Heart

This spring, I’ll be supporting the Million Reasons Run, a fundraising initiative that helps children’s hospitals across Canada. The funds raised go towards supporting medical research, treatments, and other essential services for children in need. For me, this cause hits especially close to home. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I gave birth at the IWK Health Centre, which is where many local children receive care. The IWK is also involved in vital research, particularly around children’s cancer treatment. It’s a cause that has always meant a lot to me, and I want to do my part to support the hospital and its incredible work.

Managing Asthma and Setting New Goals

Now, you might be wondering, why am I talking about asthma in an article about charity? Well, it’s because my personal journey is tied to this cause in a very meaningful way.

I’ve lived with asthma since I was 8 years old. As a child growing up in the 80s, I was often told to avoid activities that might trigger my asthma, particularly anything involving endurance or high-cardio exercises. I was the girl who couldn’t do what the other kids were doing, and it felt isolating at times. It wasn’t until my late 30s (and now my 40s) that I truly understood how to manage asthma in a healthy and sustainable way. Today, I know that I can exercise and build endurance—if I do it slowly, in small steps, and with awareness of my body’s limits. With the right medication and gradual training, I can push my limits and improve my cardio. So, this spring, as part of my support for the Million Reasons Run, I’ll be running in May to raise funds for the IWK.

Running for a Cause

Yes, you read that right—I’ll be running! I’m setting a personal goal of running 100 kilometers over the 31 days of May. While this may seem like a small goal for some, given my asthma and the fact that I’ve never been a long-distance runner, this will be a big challenge for me. I’ve set up a fundraising page with a target of $1,000 for the IWK, and I’m slowly working my way up to the 100km goal. I’m starting with baby steps, as I always have, gradually increasing my distance and training my body and mind for what’s coming.

But it’s not just about running—it’s about supporting the community and showing my children the importance of giving back. This cause is bigger than me; it’s about helping children who are facing serious health challenges, and I want my kids to see that when we come together as a community, we can make a real difference.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’d like to support my fundraising efforts, you can donate directly to the Million Reasons Run through my fundraising page. Every dollar counts, and I would appreciate any encouragement you can offer as I take on this challenge. Shoot me a message on insta or email me adeline@ohmama.ca is also a great way to support my challenge.

Maybe you’re inspired to join me, too! If you're local to Halifax, you can be a part of my team, or you can create your own fundraising group and run with us. The goal is to raise as much as we can for children’s hospitals across Canada and to show up for a cause that matters. I also encourage you to think about a cause or charity that speaks to you. Whether it’s running, donating, or simply spreading the word, there are so many ways to get involved. Our children are watching us, and we have the power to model the importance of community, giving back, and pushing our limits for something bigger than ourselves.

A Final Thought for you Mama

Don’t forget there are many ways to push your limits. It’s not about taking away from your family or well-being, but rather about showing up for something bigger than ourselves. What cause can you support today in any way that works for you ?

With Love,

Adeline