Stephanie Grady honoured with memorial walk

CORNWALL, Ontario – The We’re NUT Givin’ Up group is building on the legacy of a beloved Long Sault mother, wife, and teacher.

An “Army of Blue” could be seen at the Stephanie Grady Memorial Walk and Family BBQ at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ingleside, Ont., on Sunday (September 27).

“The reason why we’re here is to remember Stephanie and her spirit, and our goal is to give back to others who have helped us so much, ” Nick Grady told the crowd of 150 family members, friends, and residents of the South Stormont community inside the Stephanie Grady Educational Pavilion.

The community rallied around Stephanie and Nick, who have three children – Riley, Taylor and Danika, with a massive outpouring of support during the We’re NUT Givin’ Up fundraising campaign in the weeks following her NUT midline carcinoma diagnosis.

The disease progressed too rapidly for her to start treatment, and on May 10, 2014, just four days after when she should have started the trials, Stephanie died peacefully in her home with her family by her side.

“I should tell you about another reason why we’re here. In Stephanie’s final days…we discussed the possibility of holding an annual event in her honour,” Nick said. “She thought it was a good idea to help others who have helped us – so thank you so much for coming. Our plan is to make this a yearly event. It’s also very nice to be here again, combining two of Stephanie’s passions, her love of family and nature.”

Proceeds from the inaugural walk will go toward Camp Erin, a free three-day bereavement camp for ages six to 17 and the “Getting on Board” project of the St Lawrence Parks Commission and the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

In addition to facilitating this event, Nick has already donated to various regional and local causes.

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