Sturgeon Adult Day Program pushes the pedals for kids

Clients take on cycling challenge to support children's hospitals

Story by Amelia Schofield

ST. ALBERT — Lois Maskell, along with other clients of the Sturgeon Community Hospital (SCH) Adult Day Program, are getting active for a great cause.

Twenty-five clients from the SCH Adult Day Program have signed up to take part in Life Cycle, a month-long cycling challenge now taking place until June 30. The team’s goal is to cycle 700 km and raise $500 by the end of June.

The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation are hosting Life Cycle to raise funds for Child Life programs — including pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy and horticultural therapy — at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Participants can sign up as a team or individually, set a distance goal and inspire family, friends and community members to help raise funds for both charities. In-person ‘Last Lap’ events will take place on June 25 to celebrate the participants and their accomplishments.

"There are so many kids that benefit from the two hospitals," says Maskell, whose personal goal is to cycle four miles (or 6.44 kilometres) per day. "It’s nice to give back."

"This fundraiser has been a great motivator for clients to keep active," says Christine Gamache, an occupational therapist with the SCH Adult Day Program.

"Many clients that would not normally bike are encouraged by staff and other clients to participate. A few clients are even competing against each other and they’re working hard for this great cause."

As one of 20 Adult Day Programs in Edmonton Zone, the SCH Adult Day Program offers support and respite day programs in the St. Albert area to adults with physical challenges, difficulty with memory or live with chronic illness. The program’s goal is to keep people living in the community as long as possible by optimizing their physical, spiritual, social and emotional well-being.

Saifa Koonar, president & CEO, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, shares the importance of supporting Child Life programs offered at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

"While it’s the job of our amazing medical experts at the hospital to heal children’s bodies, it’s the Child Life specialists who provide fun and therapeutic ways to care for kids' spirits," she says.

"Child Life programming is vital to the emotional health of children and families at the hospital and is only possible thanks to community support through events like Life Cycle."

In addition to the SCH Adult Day Program, there are a number of other Alberta Health Services staff taking part in Life Cycle individually and in teams.

"When you participate in Life Cycle, you’re making sure families from across Alberta have access to family-centred care when they need it most," says Mike House, president & CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

"You’re helping make sure kids can get back to being kids, even during a trip to the hospital."

For more information on how to take part in Life Cycle, visit lifecycleforkids.com.

For more information on AHS' Adult Day programs, visit Adult Day Programs, Continuing Care.