By Jesse Hyder

One of the interesting things about living in James Bay is the number of events and activities that originate in the community. On the morning of Saturday April 12, I attended the ceremonies and start of the Cycle to Walk project was leaving from Mile Zero for a 7200 kilometer trek across Canada to Cape Spear, Newfoundland. Using a hand driven bicycle, Ramesh Ferris plans to cover 400 kilometers a week and arrive in Newfoundland in October.

A 28-year-old polio survivor, Ramesh was adopted from India by Canadian parents in 1982. He can walk with the assistance of braces and crutches; however, his legs are not strong enough to propel a conventional bicycle. Instead, he rides using a hand cycle which relies upon his powerful upper body strength to maximize distance and speed.

He visited India in 2002 and witnessed the devastating reality for polio victims who do not have rehabilitative supports. Upon his return to Canada, Ramesh vowed to help and Cycle to Walk was born. It is fitting that Ramesh started his journey from the foot of the Terry Fox statue at Mile Zero and plans to traverse Canada from west to east.

One interesting fact about polio is that although the virus has seemingly been wiped out in Canada, 11% of the population has not been immunized leaving a large part of the population subject to an outbreak which may only be an airplane ride away.

Many of us are not aware of the devastating effects of the disease. As a child I remember the summer closure of wading and swimming pools as the virus swept through communities and in the fall, upon return to school, a number of classmates had been stricken with the disease.

If you want more information about Ramesh’s journey you can check out the website at: http://www.cycletowalk.com

Continuing with the theme of good deeds on the behalf of others, I am pleased to let you know that James Bay Community School students raised $2835 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation in the Jump Rope for Heart project held on April 2nd. Students collected pledges and then participated in skipping activities. As an example of the skill required, Harry from grade five skipped an amazing 866 skips in a row without a break.

This is the seventh year that students have supported this worthy cause raising over $15,000. By supporting research, funds raised through the students' participation will help reduce the devastating effects of heart disease and stroke among Canadians young and old. I would like to give a special thank you to Karen Zetaruk for organizing the event for the last five years and to all the students who actively participated in the skipping activities.

Photo by Barry Behnke