Over 200 people registered for Sunday mornings' Patrick 4 Life Family Run Walk. Money raised supports Partici-Patrick, an educational program which focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness, and physical activity for youngsters in grades three to eight.
Executive assistant Brandon Baril, explains how the Partici-Patrick program has been adapted to fit the school curriculum.
"It's a six week program taught in the classroom, that raises awareness about HIV and AIDS using age appropriate materials. It also teaches kids' about the importance of daily physical activity and making healthy lifestyle choices. They participate in little runs throughout the day as well."
For the past five years, Iroquois Falls resident Sylvie Devereaux has traveled to North Bay to throw her support behind the Run Walk, for personal reasons. The event is named after Patrick Fortin, a haemophiliac who required regular blood transfusions. He was diagnosed with HIV from a tainted blood transfusion when he was just seven years old. He died of AIDS in 2001 at the age of 23. After meeting Patrick's mother Christine a number of years ago, Devereaux, who's own son is a haemophiliac, felt it was important to support the work being done by the family. Initially she and just one other friend participated. This year her team 'The Cheetah Girls' consisted of 10 friends who travelled to North Bay from across the province. Devereaux says crossing the finish line is an emotional experience.
"The pain, the suffering they went through as a family, is unimaginable. I think it's important to get awareness and education out there especially at a young age."
Over 22,000 students have participated in the program over the past 11 years. Research shows it continues to have a positive impact on youth. Bob Sampson, executive director of Patrick 4 Life, explains.
"We've had three scholarly research projects conducted to determine to what degree our programs have impacted the children. Originally we wanted to test the knowledge base of the children in terms of being aware of HIV and AIDS"
But he said the findings go beyond what researchers initially set out to find.
"Our research showed in edition to that increased knowledge, students are emerging from the program with a higher sense of self-esteem, self-confidence and resilience. The programs are so value based, the students are well prepared to make healthy lifestyle choices".
The research data was based on surveys conducted with the children and their teachers, as well as from focus groups.
Gavin Wall, is a grade six student who ran with family members on Sunday.
Wall said he runs "to raise money for research to maybe make the spread of HIV and Aids stop."
The Partici-Patrick school program wraps up Monday with the 'Day of Champions', when over 2000 students from 30 participating schools, take part in a 2 kilometre run at the Steve Omischl complex.
Patrick for Life is trying to fulfil a dream in which 'Every child in every classroom in the Province of Ontario will experience an HIV/AIDS education program'.
