Make-A-Wish recipient to participate in 2018 Canadian 5K Foam Fest fun run

Wish recipient, Saskia, will navigate through a series of obstacles to help raise money in support of Make-A-Wish Canada

TORONTO, July 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Saskia's medical journey has provided her with the strength and resilience needed to face any obstacle in life. On Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, Saskia will take on the 5K Foam Fest obstacle course in Wasaga Beach, Ont. to help raise money for Make-A-Wish^® Canada.

When Saskia was 10 years old, she was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to become overactive and attack healthy tissue and organs. Her medical condition caused severe swelling in her joints and persistent fatigue, resulting in her inability to participate in social activities like playing sports with other children.

"I had a hard time coming to terms with my medical condition and finding hope for the future," says Saskia. "I needed something positive in my life."

Saskia loves going on outdoor adventures, and her wish to explore the exotic Galápagos Islands gave her the opportunity to sightsee and spend quality time with her family. But, most importantly, it restored her faith that good things can happen ? even to her. Now, at age 24, Saskia is in remission and says her wish trip acted as a catalyst for her recovery.

As a Make-A-Wish^® ambassador, Saskia participates in events like the 5K Foam Fest to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

"Foam Fest is about having fun and challenging yourself to navigate obstacles, which I think links really well to the Make-A-Wish mission," she says.

Having encountered several obstacles in her life, she wants others to know that they don't have to face theirs alone. Saskia understands first-hand the impact of a wish and hopes her story will inspire people to donate to Make-A-Wish to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across Canada.

Make-A-Wish Canada is the official charity partner of the 5K Foam Fest tour and will receive all money raised through participant fundraising and revenue generated by the 365 Sports Gear Check at all Canadian 5K Foam Fest events. The goal is to raise $50,000 for Make-A-Wish.

"We are thrilled to be involved with the 5K Foam Fest," says Chris Pon, vice-president, national corporate alliances, Make-A-Wish Canada. "We thank 365 Sports, Saskia and the generous participants for helping us move closer to our goal of granting the wish of every eligible child."

"We look forward to having Saskia join us in Wasaga Beach as our Make-A-Wish ambassador and tackle the five-kilometre course," says Michael Lambert, director, marketing & partnerships, 365 Sports. "Obstacles are meant to be overcome, and Saskia's story shows us how amazing organizations such as Make-A-Wish help instill hope in the future. We encourage families, friends and groups to get their fundraising teams together and run the 5K Foam Fest to help us achieve our fundraising goal and grant more transformational wishes."

To learn more about the 5K Foam Fest and register for an event near you, click here.

To create a fundraising page and donate, click here.

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH^® CANADA
Make-A-Wish^® creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life, because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the world's leading children's wish-granting organization, serving children in every community in Canada, and in more than 50 countries worldwide. Together, generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 1,100 volunteers across the country grant more than one wish per day, on average. Since 1983, Make-A-Wish Canada has granted close to 7,500 wishes across the country; more than 600 last year alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish Canada, visit makeawish.ca.

ABOUT 365 SPORTS INC.
365 Sports specializes in Event Management, Experiential Marketing, Concept and Development and Brand Execution. We provide creative, fun and innovative athletic events to engage all participants, seasoned athletes and novices alike. We are dedicated to inspiring a healthier, happier society through the combination of fitness and philanthropy.

SOURCE Make-A-Wish Canada