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THE INSPRIATION AND DEDICATION

"Success is for those who put their passion ahead of their fear."

My mother, Patricia Grace Ducharme, was murdered by her boyfriend in 1996 in Campbell River, B.C. I was only fourteen years old. The inspiration and motivation for this event comes from my passion to offer assistance and compassion to others who face devastating challenges. The experience of losing her has strengthened me to forgive the killer so that I could do all the good that my mother raised me with, and this is how I decided to share my life and make a difference.

I battled depression, and roller-blading was a way for me to release my anxiety and frustrations. Instead of getting in my car and driving like a drunken fool, I pounded the pavement with my blades. All those hours of roller-blading inspired the idea to plan a long-distance roller-blade trip.

Peter Schiemann was one of four R.C.M.P. officers who were murdered in March of 2005. Peter was a friend to many at Concordia University College of Alberta, and even assisted me in preparing to write my own examination for employment with the R.C.M.P. One month prior to his death, I contacted Peter about this fundraiser and he was eager to help us plan the event.

My personal tragedy is my inspiration, but seeing those four families go through the pain of a loved one's murder, I have decided to raise money for youth, to dedicate the event to Patricia Grace Ducharme, and the four R.C.M.P. officers. The fact that Peter may even be sitting on our committee has given me the motivation to not give up. I will not accept a 'tolerant' attitude, and have made it my personal obligation, as a survivor, to do something about it. Problems will always exist, but it is what we do with them that make the difference!