She’s a one-woman marathon machine on a mission.
Every week for the past year, Ruth Magnus has run the equivalent of a marathon to raise money for the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre in Beaconsfield.
Magnus will run her last marathon Sunday, the final leg of her 52-week journey. It’s all in memory of one of her closest friends, Lynn Guillotte, who died of ovarian cancer in the fall of 2010, seven months after being diagnosed.
“I'm one normal everyday person who is trying to make an impact,” said Magnus. “(I did this) to honor the fight in her and in anybody who goes through cancer. I was just compelled to do something.”
Magnus helped Guillotte as she fought her battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer.
“She loved to laugh and dance. A party wasn't a party until Lynn arrived,” said Magnus. “She was an athlete and a mother of two beautiful boys.”
Magnus has raised $34,000 in her friend’s name so far, with all the proceeds going to the wellness centre.
“They don't receive any government funding and all their services are totally bilingual, and totally free, to anybody who's been diagnosed with cancer and their families,” she said
She’s still a little short of her goal, however.
“Fifty-two is the theme number. I turned 52 this year, and over the course of a year we have 52 weeks, and my goal is $52,000,” she said.
Her friends are impressed by her endurance.
“Ruth is a great person,” said friend Geoff Sadowy. “She's been a great supporter of our family and of the community and she's doing something for a great cause.”
“She's an outstanding woman. She's got a good heart, she's always willing to help others, we know no one else like her,” said friend Linda Sadowy.
Magnus completes her year-long journey with a final run Sunday, that will end at the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre in Beaconsfield.
For more on her story, click here.
