Canadian Dream

What an amazing adventure and learning experience the last few months of my life have been! I went from being a "normal" 23 year old woman living with Crohn's, to catapulting myself into the

tumultuous yet wonderful experience of planning to walk across Canada. Organizing this adventure was a task unlike anything I had ever previously embarked upon or imagined. Although extremely busying, and -- at times -- overwhelming, I felt alive. I was going to see this beautiful country. I was was going to raise awareness about a cause I believe in passionately. I was meeting new people constantly and being ever reminded that people are generous and do in fact care. (Something I think we often forget in today's society!) I want to sincerely thank everyone that helped get this journey started, supported it along the way, and I want you all to know that it's far from over yet! .

In addition to much organizing, the walk itself was and has been amazing. In the two months and almost 900kms that I walked, I saw parts of my natal country that I had only dreamed of seeing. From the rolling hills and fjord of NFLD, the myriad awesomeness of nature in its many forms, to the scenic views of Cape Breton, I definitely saw breathtaking parts of my country that I will never forget! In addition to seeing incredible parts of my home, Canada, I also met the most amazing people. From the most talented and friendly driver I've ever met, Herb Osbourne, to the incomparable generosity and near familial care of the Furys, to Bradley, the most adorable "fan" I had ever made, to the numerous passers-by that donated money, offered me food and shelter, or just great conversation, I encountered the best kind of people mankind has to offer. (Long sentence! :P) I feel truly enriched by nature and by the astounding people within my country. For this I am eternally grateful in ways I can't accurately express in words.

The personal, spiritual benefits garnered from this walk have been tremendous, but I am also extremely pleased to report that in this time I spoke to several schools--on and off the "record"--and have participated in, or been a part of, nearly 40 press functions spreading the word about Crohn's & Colitis. Crohn's has certainly challenged me, and I know it challenges some with even more difficulty. I only hope that what I've done thus far helps others and is one step closer toward people contributing to finding a cure. I am looking forward to doing a great deal more in this endeavour, and will for the rest of my life, not only with the continuation of this walk! . (There may--MAY--even be a book in the works!)

About the rest of the walk:

During this life-changing process a few difficulties came to light, and I realized a few things that have made me come to a point of change in how I'm going to continue. I do fully intend to complete this walk, let me make that clear, but vital issues have arisen causing a hiatus and some conditions must be met before I charge forth.

I have decided -- as a young woman in pursuit of constantly bigger and better things -- that I will continue my walk across Canada in seasonal sections. I am going to attend St. Mary's University

studying a mesh of topics (I love many subjects!) and from there will re-organize to continue my walk during the summer months. This method definitely deviates from what I had originally planned, but several conditions necessitated this and I feel it's truly what's best for me and this adventure.

First and foremost -- after a lot of arguing with myself and a sense of pride -- I came to realize that my health and safety is paramount. I truly believe in this cause, but surviving the process of

promoting this cause must take precedence! *Laughs.*

I had never intended to walk across Canada alone. I am a strong, independent woman, but being alone in the middle of the woods -- literally -- with no cell phone reception, shoeing away giant moose that are casually poking their heads across my tent... is, well, less than rendering of security and happiness. I had a walking partner, but he -- for his own personal reasons -- left 8 days in. At that time, I did decide to trek on. Over the course of the next two months, however, constantly being alone through the wilderness of Canada, becoming increasingly ill (with my Crohn's), and constantly putting myself in situations risking my safety became exceptionally emotionally and physically taxing.

I can't quite properly convey just what it feels like to be alone every day walking through the woods for two months at a time, walking across Canada. My pride pains me to say this, but it was just too

much. I strongly believe in a mind-body connection, and let me tell you: feeling physically ailed and exhausted, and then feeling extremely alone and fearing for my safety on top of that causes a situation simply too difficult to bear. I believe in this cause and I want to continue, but finding myself so distressed and ill each day and each night, alone in the middle of the forest primeval is too high a price to pay.

With that reality and the caring counsel of my family, friends, and the foundation, I've come home. Through this process I realized and decided that I really wanted to pursue my education, and instead of doing this after a year of walking consecutively, I should divide the walk via my summers and my education via the other seasons of the year. Quite honestly, however, this is also to strengthen my ability to walk: physically, mentally, and financially.

During this schoolyear I will be able--with any luck--to find a walking partner for 2-3 months of walking next summer. Having a walking partner is an absolute must, for my safety as well as sanity, particularly when I leave the Atlantic provinces. Furthermore: I don't want to cite any sort of arrogance on my part, but I truly know--firsthand--that committing to walk for an entire year is an extremely difficult process and I would be hardpressed to find a reliable, willing partner to do this. Finding someone to agree to walk over the summer months only--one year at a time--will be far, far easier. Both for my mental health and my safety, this is an absolute must.

I also believe that taking a schoolyear off from walking so strenuously will help to manage my Crohn's. I feel almost foolish in admitting this, but I truly did not realize how hard this much strenuous labour would effect my illness. I hate to admit it, but I don't think my body can accommodate more than two months of walking at a time, especially if I'm alone and continuously stressed by my loneliness and safety. (I feel so whiny! :P)

All-in-all: I feel extremely proud to have accomplished what I've done so far. As I said: I've walked nearly 900km, raised awareness and funds for Crohn's via donations and almost 40 press functions, spoke to as many people and even schools as I could along the way, and absolutely plan to continue every summer until this adventure is complete. Through this next year I plan to re-group, amass more funds and supplies for my journey, secure a walking partner, and get into even better shape than ever before so that my Crohn's--my health--is on par with my determination next year!

Thank you from the absolute bottom of my heart for supporting me and I hope to have your support again next year!

Live well!

Sincerely,

Michelle Aubie