Four months ago when Make-A-Wish and I decided to team up for their first Rope for Hope event I really didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that I was interested and wanted to help. Our phone conversation concluded with me being a guest celebrity and although it wasn’t necessary for me to raise money I felt inclined to do so. Mostly because while I get to live my wish everyday the Make-A-Wish kids are facing life treating challenges which affects both them and their loving families.
Within a week I was already at $1500 and decided to up my goal by a thousand dollars. It took a while but all these people helped me come very close to my goal. Overall, I raised $2380 with the help of; Sony of Canada, G&G Electronics customers, Cheryl and Gary Tsuyuki, Edith, George and Kimberly Myslicki, Linda Nakamoto, Teddy Guay, Kris Owikawa, Linda Owikawa, Anna Holancin, J Peter Milner, Stacey Carmichael, Susan Sims, Derek McDonald, SportExcel Inc., Edison Wai, Canadianweb Solutions, Kristina Jacobson, Ken Coombs, Ray Edamura, Derek Salvatin, Anita Cristan, and Helen Thomas. These people made a big difference in lives that needs change.
It was amazing how fast the time flew by and before I knew it I was in front of City Hall in 
A company called Over the Edge were the professionals running the ropes course and I could tell they were well educated in their craft. I would even say that climbing was their passion. Jeff was helpful getting me into my harness and making sure it was tight and all the clips were closed and I was safe to go. Next, I was on to a mini training course to make sure I knew how to work all the equipment. Mad Dog from Virgin Radio in Toronto was repelling with me, and his comical comments relieved some of the tension, which was mostly coming from him…I was calm still, but that wasn’t going to last long.
The last step was getting on to the roof, it was at this time the true height of the building hit me and as my head poked out from the well of the ladder and I saw over most buildings in the downtown core. Without even thinking I was strapped into the repel device and the safety device. My camera man radioed in for the green light and it was my time to go.
So now I had to get on to the ledge, the ledge that leads to nothing. I was pretty good until I was told to turn around with my back to the abyss of air. It got even worse when I had to lean into my harness and trust it was going to hold me…it was a 30 story drop behind me. Once I was comfortable I was really excited to get on the move.
It seemed like it took forever to get down the first half and I was sure to stop and take in the views of the cityscape and the lake. I knew this was a chance of a lifetime. After the halfway mark the rope was feeding through the device smoother and I was able to cruse down. When my feet hit the ground I was a bit sad it was over but relieved. It was also great to see all the wonderful people at the bottom greeting me.
Other participants in the event included wish children and families, such as Tara, 18, Cystic Fibrosis,
whose wish was granted in 2011 and had a double lung transplant in February 2012. Tara is doing so well that both her and her dad went over City Hall as a team to support Make-AWish. Wish dad Brian , and firefighter Shaun, rallied together to raise funds and support MakeA-Wish, post 4-year-old Owen’s wish to be a firefighter, which was granted on World Wish Day® in April. Wish child and wish ambassador, Madison, 14, Leukemia, and her best friend, YTV’s Life with Boys star, Michael Murphy, took part in Rope for Hope yesterday as well.
Make-A-Wish really knows how to put on a good show and I am proud to be associated with them. I strongly suggest everyone should do a charity event like this. It was new and exciting and a unique challenge for myself, another gala, walk, or run does not seem that interesting after doing Rope for Hope. So keep an eye out for the next Rope for Hope event that will be coming to your city soon!!