Marathon anyone?
Katelyn Norton is not one to back down from a challenge.
A first-year Master’s of Science student in professor Kevin Shoemaker’s Neurovascular Research Lab, her next project has daunting and demanding written all over it.
The 22-year-old plans to run her first-ever marathon. She will be part of the Team Diabetes Canada running team for the 42 km trek in Calgary, Alberta on May 31.
“I’m nervous,” says Norton. “Physically, this will be my greatest challenge to date. By participating in this event, I hope I can encourage others – particularly adolescents and young adults – to get active.”
With a grandfather who died from complications related to diabetes, along with related schooling, she realizes the importance of working towards a cure. With that, and in keeping with the tough challenges, Norton is committed to raising $3,500 towards the Canadian Diabetes Association.
“I have always been interested in diabetes research, and although I am fortunate never to have experienced it personally, I have learned through family experience and research the detrimental effects it can have on the lives of millions,” says Norton. “Type 2 diabetes was once an adult-onset disease but today children as young as nine are being diagnosed. Although I have some challenges ahead of me, they’re minor compared to the day-to-day struggles children and adults living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes face.”
To help Norton with her fundraising efforts, visit teamdiabetes.ca, click ‘Pledge’ and type in her name. If you would like to donate directly to Norton, she can be reached at knorton4@uwo.ca.
“Her dedication to raising awareness and money for diabetes is to be commended and the Canadian Diabetes Association appreciates all of her efforts,” says Fred De Fina, Director of Team Diabetes.
Laughing for liver
While the health of your liver is no laughing matter, the Liver Info Students Association (LISA) at Western is holding a comedy show called Laughing for Liver to benefit the London regional office of the Canadian Liver Foundation.
Laughing for Liver takes place at Yuk Yuk’s London at 8 p.m. on Jan. 15 and features comedians Sean Tweedly, Tony Kroll and Michelle Shaughnessy.
LISA is a newly established association of student volunteers at Western committed to educating their peers about the risky behavior that can have long-term effects on their liver health.
Tickets are $20, and can be obtained by contacting the London regional office at 519-659-0951.
Hoop it up
The second annual Hoop Dreams 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament is scheduled to hit the court Jan. 17 at Saunders Secondary School in London. This not-for-profit basketball tournament that features 36 teams in three skill divisions – recreational, competitive, and super-competitive. Players of all skill levels are welcome and money raised will go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The annual tournament was founded by Western students Rahul Sharma, Raj Bhayana, and Sachin Gupta and will feature a 3-point shootout and dunk contest. Prizes for the tournament include Raptors tickets, an autographed Raptors memorabilia, gift certificates, clothing and trophies.
Cost for the daylong event is $60 for teams of three or four players, and $70 for teams of five players. For more information, and to register, visit hoopdreams3on3.com.
If you are a Western student, faculty or staff member, let us know about your fundraising projects for campus or outside projects. Send information to newseditor@uwo.ca for inclusion in a future column.