Yellowknife mother takes on the road to Alberta
Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Nov 24/00) - A Yellowknife mother is planning to walk 1,500 kilometres to raise money for cancer research this spring.
Violet Frankie hopes to pursue her longtime desire to walk from Yellowknife to Lake St. Anne, in northern Alberta starting June 1.
"I wanted to do this for the past three years and finally I'm going to go ahead with it," said the 36-year-old mother of 10 children.
Three years later, the idea came to her again following the death of her grandfather. He is the late Nick Black of Rae, who died from cancer on Oct. 13 this year.
"Right on his birthday (Nov. 15), that's when I made up my mind. I'm not doing this for myself or for my family, but for people with cancer," she said.
Although she has no idea of how much money will be raised, she plans to give all of it to the Canadian Cancer Society.
While her family will be taking care of her children during her walk, two of her children, Brent-Martin, 9, and Beverly, 13 plan to accompany her on her jaunt.
"A lot of people think that I'm crazy to do it. I wanted to last year, but I was pregnant."
Frankie's sister Phoebe-Ann from Rae will be driving alongside her with a van so it can serve as a refuge during the evenings and during pit stop. While passing through the communities, she hopes to spend some of those evenings in hotels and hopes that some people will be generous enough to put her team up.
She also realizes the costs involved, for gas and the food needed, and she's planning to sell her artwork on the road.
"Whoever wants to come and walk in support, they're welcome."
Currently searching out sponsors for her trip, she working with the cancer society to iron out details.
She's also planning on going on a diet as well as starting a walking program to condition herself for the journey.
"I'm a tough woman, I can do it," she said, adding, positive thinking and a little praying will also help.
