The first week of May 2010 has started out by being a very busy and exciting week.  On Tuesday, May 4, I spoke at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina for Sask Power Corporation.  The theme of their conference was about diversity in the workplace.   Immediately following this, I travelled to Quebec City to speak on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 for Canada Revenue Agency at their National Symposium Conference.   Both engagements were very well received with very good feedback from the audience and participants.

Quebec City is such a beautiful and historic city. I have been enjoying walking along the cobblestone streets and taking in the breathtaking buildings, churches and scenery. I have also been able to get out and enjoy some runs along the hilly Plains of Abraham which is right behind the hotel where we are staying. I look forward to a few more days here as we take in some more sights.

I was invited to speak for Grain and General Services Union on March 18, 2010 at Cedar Lodge  Blackstrap Lake in Dundrun, Saskatchewan.  This was their biannual conference and I was the key-note speaker for this event.  My presentation was well received and the feedback was very positive. 

On March 31, 2010, I travelled to Strasbourg, Saskatchewan to speak at William Derby School for the community and students from Grades 7 - 12.  I enjoyed my visit.  It is a very beautiful community and I hope to return some day soon.  March has brought unusually warm temperatures so it made for a nice drive to enjoy the beauty of the prairie roads.

As we begin a New Year, I have spent some time reflecting on 2009.  It was a very successful year for me on a personal level.   I got married on June 6, 2009 in Regina to Mary Jo Duggan.   I was able to attend several speaking engagements across the country, the feedback from those were very positive and rewarding for me.  From the coaching that I do, I was very happy that everyone in The Jaleta Pacers has achieved what they set out to do this year for running goals. 

In September, I travelled with some of the runners I coach to The Hamptons, NY.  They were running a marathon after raising over $95,000 for Arthritis with the Joints in Motion Team.  In December, I ran a marathon in Las Vegas along with other runners from The Jaleta Pacers.  Everyone did very well.  I too was pleased with my results after placing 1st in my division.

Also, we successfully raised $24,500 with the funds from The 2010 Jaleta Pacers Making Strides Calendar.  All proceeds were given to the Regina Early Learning Center on December 17. 

2010 is also starting out to be very exciting.  I will be one of the Olympic torchbearers.  I am really looking forward to being part of this historic event and the peace and hope that it symbolizes.  This is a once in a lifetime experience and I am fortunate to be part of it. 

I have been coaching a group of runners for the past few years called the Jaleta Pacers.  We meet about four times a week to train and run together.  The runners are from all walks of life and have different levels of ability.

Last year, the runners decided to use their profile as the Jaleta Pacers to give back to the community by raising money for the Regina Early Learning Centre and also to promote the benefits of running and overall health and wellness. We are creating a calendar that will feature the runners’ stories and inspiring quotes.  The official calendar launch will be on October 18, 2009 at the University of Regina, Education Auditorium between 1 – 4 PM.  There will be a fashion show and wellness expo as well.  Tickets are $30.00 and include admission to the fashion show/expo and a calendar with all proceeds going to the Regina Early Learning Centre.  Tickets can be obtained by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

On June 6, 2009, I married Mary Jo Duggan at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina. It was a very special day for both of us and we were so fortunate to have our close friends and family with us.  By far, this was the happiest day of my life.  In lieu of gifts, donations were made to help my elementary school in Dangur, Ethiopia that I attended when I was a child. The school is in need of school supplies, furniture and books. The school will be receiving these much-needed supplies in the next few months after the rainy season is over.  Due to the elevation of the school location, vehicles are unable to get there.  It will take about 5 -  7 hours to deliver the goods on foot. We hope to travel to Ethiopia for a visit in the next year. In September 2009, we are planning to go to New York for our honeymoon.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation held their annual Mother's Day Luncheon at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton on Saturday, May 9, 2009.  There were 260 attendees at the luncheon.  I was very honoured to be the keynote speaker for this event.  The luncheon was attended by mothers, fathers, survivors and family members who all are linked by their hope to create a future without breast cancer.  I was happy to be able to share my story of hope, determination and wisdom in order to empower others to overcome obstacles and adversity in their lives.