Linda Hughes
I am a registered nurse from Mississauga , Ontario who has worked since 1974 at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. I am happily married to my best friend, Peter, for 36 years and we are the parents of four children. Three of the children were, “special needs adoptions “and the challenges of raising these children have given me insight into how many people it really takes to help get us through the difficult times. I also have cared for many children and their families over my years at HSC, formed relationships that went beyond the hospital walls and know all too well the reality of having a chronically or acutely ill child.
Two years ago, through close family friends; David, Linda and Erika Campbell of Barrie, ON, I became a volunteer in the community for, “Tour for Kids“. It was a wonderful opportunity to help in a different way than my job as an RN, but still with the same purpose, helping children with cancer and their families during the biggest fight of their lives. Last August, 2008, I was fortunate to be chosen to go along with the “Tour for Kids “ Ontario ride and met some of the most special people; riders, volunteers and most importantly, the children and their families who benefit from the money raised.
This year I am going on what I see as “the journey of a lifetime“ , medical back – up for the Sears National Ride , Coast to Coast 2009. I will have experiences that I would never have with - in the confines of HSC , I will stretch myself to limits only to be imagined and be part of a team of people from all walks of life but having the same purpose. No matter how difficult any given day may be, one only has to remember for who and why we are there and the images of those special children will keep us going .
