Page 20 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 33

20 sportsenergynews.com

SHINES

THE

SPOTLIGHT ON
1397 Brookdale Ave.,

Cornwall OUR MEMBERS

Multi-sport Club Athlete Profile:

Monique Branchaud

that I became a runner, because I
believed that I could.”
When asked about her first Terry Fox

run, Branchaud has fond memories
of the event. “I don’t remember
my time, but I do remember that it
was very well supported with great
volunteers, and wonderful food at
the end,” she says. “It was during
one of these runs that I decided if I
could do 5km, maybe I could double
it and do 10km. The next year, that
is exactly what I did, and this gave
me the courage to start training for
By Derrick LoRusso
a half marathon.”
Her son Nicholas has been aiding in
he Terry Fox Run is an
the family cause since a young age,
Topportunity to not only get out
all thanks to his grandfather. “My
and run, but to support a charity
son has always been very close to his
that’s been around since 1981.
grandfather (my dad), and has done
Monique Branchaud, local runner the 5km with him several times, Monique pictured with her son Nicholas and Father Albert Levac prior
and supporter of the run, has her with my dad even carrying Nicholas to competing in her first Terry Fox Run Submitted Photo.

father to thank for starting the family part of the way,” Branchaud said.
tradition of running for a cure. Instead of asking people for pledges, options. This allowed my children opened, I signed up for the try-a-
“My father has been a long-time Branchaud’s son came up with a to form lasting memories of their tri, and then started training. I took
supporter of the Terry Fox Run,” brilliant strategy. “Nicholas was ‘poppa’,” she says. “Had he not had swimming lessons, and signed up for
she says. “One of my dad’s good very shy, and wouldn’t ask anyone this treatment, my children probably other try-a-tries.” She adds, “I did 2
friends died of cancer at a young for pledges. He suggested that if we would not remember their paternal try-a-tries, then upgraded to sprints.
age. The Terry Fox foundation is all held a yard sale, that he could sell grandfather.” I did 5 triathlons in total, and loved

about research, and finding a cure.” some of the toys that he no longer When asked what gets her up and every minute of it. I also did some

But Branchaud’s first real race took played with, and he would put this motivated everyday, Branchaud destination races, or ‘racecations’.”
her by storm and got her into the money on his pledge sheet.” She tells us it’s the feel good sensation For anyone who is afraid to

sport. “My first real race, with a bib, adds, “At the age of seven years old, that follows after a good run. “I am participate in the Terry Fox run,
was the Heather Saaltink memorial he started the “annual” Terry Fox currently training for my third half- or is unsure if it’s right for them,
run in 2011,” she says. “I registered yard sale. He did this (with help of marathon. I like to get out early in the Branchaud had some very simple
early, and I was still skeptical about family and friends) for seven years morning and get my run done,” says advice. “The Terry Fox Run is a
whether or not I could do this. to accumulate pledges.” Branchaud. “It sets the stage for the great venue to walk/run/bike/jog
When I picked up my race bib, the But Branchaud doesn’t just run day, and puts me in a good mood.
number was number eight. Eight for the joy of exercise, she has a Only I can do the work, so it’s up to any distance that you like, for a
has always been my dad’s hockey personal connection with the deadly me.” She adds, “Last year, I decided great cause,” she says. “There is no

jersey number.” It was then she disease, almost losing her father-in- to get into triathlons. I volunteered pressure to finish within a certain
realized this was the right thing for law. “I have family members who in 2013 for the Cornwall Triathlon, time. I encourage everyone to
her. “At that moment, I felt that I have died of cancer. My father-in- and I really enjoyed the energy of participate in something that they
was well supported, and that I could law lived an extra 2 years because this race and the participants,” says are passionate about. Grab a friend
indeed do this. This is the moment of the breakthrough in treatment Branchaud. “As soon as registration and start training!”