Transplant recipient completes virtual Sun Run outside hospital

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Resilience, generosity and bravery were on display outside the Vancouver General Hospital on Friday as a Terrace woman completed the Virtual Vancouver Sun Run on the day of her transplant surgery.

This was also part of Jennifer Keys’ effort to raise money for the Hope Air charity that flies sick people from remote communities to major centres for treatment.

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In the week leading up to Keys’ 2.5-km virtual run she had completed several rounds of high-dose chemotherapy.

On April 19, she fulfilled a promise to herself and, by taking breaks and sticking to the task, was able to complete the run in five hours and 10 minutes.

The fastest virtual run in the 2.5 km division was completed by Bob Cheng in 24 minutes and 13 seconds.

“My Sun Run looks a little different for me than it does for most,” Keys said prior to her stem-cell transplant.

“I have just completed six days of high-dose chemo for my stem cell transplant prep. This means my run will be more of a walk, as I am doing it around the transplant ward here in Vancouver General Hospital. I don’t know if I’ll get it all done, but I will do my best. I’m so thankful for all Hope Air has done for me, and I couldn’t be prouder to be doing my run/walk for you.”

The fastest Virtual 10 km was completed by Erika Valazquez in a time of 45:56.

dcarrigg@postmedia.com

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