Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - Why I walk: Toronto's Meagan's Walk celebrates stories of hope

TORONTO, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Meagan's Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope will take place this Saturday, May 12. The annual Walk has raised more than $2.5 million since 2001 for paediatric brain tumour research and for programs which help affected children and families at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and around the world.

Beginning at Ontario Place (10 a.m.), thousands of participants will walk through downtown Toronto and make their way to SickKids (11 a.m.). The Walk will end with a human hug - all participants will join hands and surround SickKids in a symbol of strength and support for all children, and their families, fighting illness at SickKids.

What:	Meagan's Walk 2012                  A five-kilometre Walk beginning at Ontario Place and ending with a human hug around The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
When:	Saturday, May 12, 2012
8:30 a.m.     9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.     11:00 a.m.     11:45 a.m.  12:10 p.m.   12:15 p.m.  12:30 p.m.	Registration at Ontario Place begins Interview opportunity with Denise Bebenek Walk starts at Ontario Place Participants begin arriving at SickKids to form human hug Hospital Hug Closing remarks (in front of SickKids, at Elizabeth Street entrance) Photo opportunity with Bebenek family and friends Mother's Way: tribute to moms spending weekend at SickKids

Photo Opportunities:

• Meagan's Walk kick-off at Ontario Place with Bebenek family
• Wall of Honour featuring celebrities at Ontario Place
• Some 3,000 participants forming human hug around SickKids
• Families affected by paediatric brain tumours participating in official proceedings
• 'Mother's Way' honouring those whose children are patients at SickKids this Mother's Day weekend

Interview Opportunities: 

• Denise Bebenek, mom to the late Meagan and founder of Meagan's Walk
• SickKids patient ambassadors and families of children affected by brain tumours

For more information about Meagan's Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope, call 416-239-7843 or visit www.meaganswalk.com

Meagan's Walk is part of Healthy & Happy, a new SickKids campaign to raise awareness of pressing children's health issues. Throughout the month of May, SickKids is asking people to support children's health and "Do the Happy." By participating in Meagan's Walk, you will be joining a movement that celebrates what is truly important - healthy and happy children. For more information, visit www.dothehappy.com.

Media contacts:

Amanda O'Reilly
Meagan's Walk
416-503-1330
[email protected]

Sandra Chiovitti
SickKids Foundation
[phone]
[email protected]