While Hélène Hamilton’s Grade 6/7 students definitely keep her on her toes, teaching is a far cry from the physicality required by her job as a paramedic for the past 10 years.
“Being back in the classroom this year I spend a lot of hours sitting, and marking papers. We’re active in the day but it’s not the same as when I was working on the ambulance,” she says.
Helene signed up for Workout to Conquer Cancer as a “restart” on fitting in regular exercise, and in honour of her cousin who is facing breast cancer. But when her South Park Elementary School in Tsawwassen was looking for a way to support a colleague whose family had been hit hard by a cancer diagnosis, she invited the rest of the school staff to join her in a team.
“Once I assured them we didn’t have to work out all together every day they quickly got on board,” she laughs. And Hélène isn’t surprised: “I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t been touched by cancer.”
Moving every day in May to help fuel cancer research and care is also a great way to kick off her fifth decade, says Helene, whose big birthday is at the end of April. “I’m turning 50, time to use it or lose it.”
Workout to Conquer Cancer challenges participants from across the province to complete 30 minutes of physical activity every day in May in support of BC Cancer. Donate today or sign up to participate at workouttoconquercancer.ca
