A Warrior's Finish
Lynda Donaldson defined the essence of a cancer warrior.
Heather MacKay

2007 marked the fourth year for Art à la Carte's Scream Run. We were so pleased to be invited to partner with Cancervive, a volunteer organization that raises awareness for Canadians living with cancer. The Scream was designated as Cancervive's homecoming celebration following a grueling 9 day trek to Austin, Texas, on bicycles. Each of the Cancervive riders cycles on behalf of a chosen "warrior" (someone living with cancer). Not even cancer can conquer the spirit of these inspiring individuals as you will read in the following account written by Heather MacKay.

Dave, Heather and Lynda

"Lynda Donaldson was so pleased and honored that Graham Reiser asked her to be his hero and travel to Austin. She said it was the best thing she had done and wanted everyone to know that although she is now in hospice she would not have done anything differently. She had a great time but it was sad for her to see all the young people with cancer.

When I told her about the Scream walk and run, she wanted to go badly, even in a wheelchair as she wanted to see the other survivors and be part of everything in the group. Lynda asked Dave and I if we would stand her up and let her walk across the finish line. She said all she wanted to do was to run over the line, not walk. However, she was just as happy to cross with us helping her. Lynda had also asked to walk over the line in Austin and it was so emotional for her that she wanted to do it in Calgary as well. She knows her battle is coming to an end and just wants to make sure that she has done everything she wanted to do.

Lynda's strength brought us to tears as we assisted her across the finish line. She said that when the doctor told her he could only get 30% of the tumor, she was going to live life to the fullest. Lynda has always been a strong lady – living on a farm, helping to raise cattle and alpacas. She also loves fishing.

Lynda is having a few health issues, but she still says 'Hello' to everything!"

Editor's Note: Lynda passed away in the early summer of 2008. Her grandson, Carson Reiser, raised more than $5,000 for Cancervive through a family bicycle ride that he requested in lieu of gifts for his 9th birthday.