Mother-son tradition goes virtual amid pandemic

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – For the fifth year, a mother and her son will participate in the Sportchek Mother’s Day run, walk, and ride to give every newborn a fighting chance — a tradition they’ve been taking part in since their own frightening experience.

Kelly Wesa was 10 days overdue in her pregnancy when she was induced and underwent an emergency C-section. To make matters worse, her son Luke started having feeding issues and needed to be rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He was there for a week.

“I imagined going home, bringing my baby with me, and I couldn’t. I had to leave him at the hospital,” she recalls.

“(Being) a new mom like you don’t expect that. No one ever tells you the stories about that. No one ever tells you that you could possibly have to go to the NICU.”

Being in hospital was a challenging situation but Wesa says the staff was supportive and understanding. She explains besides her passion for running, the NICU is a huge part of why she does this race.

“They were my rock,” she said. “Without their help in there, in those critical times, my son may not be here today, and I’m grateful for that.”

Typically thousands of people take part in the event. However, as COVID-19 spread across the world organizers decided to cancel the 2020 event, just six weeks before it happened.

“Last year it was cancelled completely and we found another race (and) we did it on Mother’s Day and we did it together,” said Wesa.

This year the fundraiser, in support of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the Calgary Health Foundation NICU is being held virtually, meaning anyone in Canada can take part.

Organizers hope it will bring fun and excitement to everyone’s lives.

“We want to be part of the community and we want to support the charities and support people getting out and maintaining those active lifestyles,” said Sportchek operations manager Brittany Schussler.

“The last year, more than ever people need it and they need that encouragement and that connection.”

On May 7, 8, or 9, at any time of day, participants anywhere in Canada can select a route in five major cities including Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Halifax, or head out for their own five- or 10-kilometre run, walk, or ride.

Luke is now five years old, so he will be scootering beside his mom Kelly as she runs, with his grandparents cheering him on via Zoom the whole way, complete with a finish line and even a medal after his race.

“It’s my way every year to say thank you to all the nurses, all the doctors, everyone who took care of my son,” said Wesa.