Grey 5K unites community in memory of Jaida, raises funds for pediatric brain cancer research

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

The Essex community united on Saturday morning to participate in the inaugural The Grey 5K event, which was hosted in memory of Jaida Chartier, who passed last year at the age of 12 after a courageous 14-month battle with brain cancer.

  The event was hosted in support of #JaidasJourney - The Jaida Chartier Foundation, which was founded in her memory.

  “That was a promise we made to our daughter, to continue her fight and help other children who are going through similar circumstances,” dad, Brandon Chartier, said from the finish line, waiting for the around 145 participants to cross.

  Those who registered for the event were able to wear an official The Grey 5K t-shirt.

  Some of the participants were fellow Firefighters with Essex Fire & Rescue who serve their community with Brandon. Many of the Firefighters completed the 5km route in full bunker gear.

  The Grey 5K was the first large event hosted through The Jaida Chartier Foundation.

  “We are very happy with the turnout,” Brandon noted, thanking all volunteers who came out to help organize the event, and the family members and friends who came out to show support.

  He also thanked the long-list of sponsors for their generous support, including Domino’s, Tim Hortons, Val Mechanical Heating and Cooling, Superior Plumbing and Home Comfort, Essex County K9 Services, and Essex Power Corporation.

  “They all came to the table to help us out with costs to ensure the money raised goes to where we want it to go,” Brandon noted.   

  Early indications showed the event raised close to $15,000. Proceeds will go towards pediatric brain cancer research.

  That was “more than we ever dreamed of,” Brandon noted.  

  The Jaida Chartier Foundation is working with Childhood Cancer Canada and the C17 Research Network to find better treatment methods for pediatric cancer “so no child has to go through what Jaida went through.”

  Keeping the fight going is a way the Chartier family can remember Jaida.

  “We want to make this a family day in remembering our daughter, Jaida,” Brandon noted.

Launching off from the Thomas Street greenway entrance in Essex Centre, the 5K wound down the trail route – wrapping around Sadler’s Park – and back, welcoming participants to walk, run, or wheel the distance.

Snacks, coffee, and water were available prior to the event and pizza was provided following the race.

The event was hosted in partnership with Walkers & Runners Around the County of Essex (WRACE), which timed participants and provided first place medals to the top finishers in the walk and run categories for men and women. In addition, prizes were handed out for the top donations raised.

  The event could not have gone on without all the support, including the collaboration with WRACE and its helpers, Brandon noted.

  Essex Councillors Kim Verbeek and Katie McGuire-Blais participated in the event.

  Verbeek said that while the event was successful in raising a lot of dollars for childhood cancer research, it also really brought the community together.

  “It was just a really, really good community event with people who came out to honour Jaida’s memory and to support her family, [and] raise funds for important research,” she said.

  She is looking forward to next year’s installment.

  Looking ahead, Brandon noted the Jaida Chartier Foundation is planning another big event, possibly this fall, and he urged community members to keep their eyes peeled for more details as they emerge.

  He hopes to have the community support again for this event.