A Different Kind of Mother’s Day
My Mother’s day checklist was always simple:
Since meeting Denise Bebenek, this list has changed considerably. Let me explain.
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Denise Bebenek is a mother. She has a beautiful family and a loving husband. Yet Mothers Day for Denise does not mean breakfast in bed, or a pile of roses. It means facing her greatest loss.
In 2001, Denise lost her daughter Meagan to a rare brain tumour. Meagan had just turned 5.
The time between diagnosis and Meagan’s death was short, only a few months, however this little girl managed to touch many people and to inspire those around her. When Meagan was ill, her classmates held a special crane ceremony, gathering 1000 paper cranes as a symbol of hope (based on Sadako Sasaki’s inspiring story). The tradition continues annually at the hospital for other children in need of hope.
Meagan’s story tells of a child that during her hospital stay, would give gifts to other children and to staff to comfort them. Years later, they still speak of her fondly. “Meagan was a little charmer with a beautiful smile and a fabulous spirit,” recalls Dr. Eric Bouffet, a Neuro Oncologist with Sick Kids who treats terminally-ill children.
While most people undergoing immense tragedy retreat from the world, Denise turned to embrace it, literally. Denise’s wish the day that Meagan passed away was to “have arms wide enough to comfort to all the children inside.”
Denise walked away from her career as a schoolteacher, realizing that the lessons learned from Meagan could not be limited to the walls of a classroom and did something that some would consider a miracle. She transformed her grief into action and created Meagan’s Walk, an annual 5 km walk on Mother’s Day that raises money and brings awareness about paediatric brain tumours. In this way, Meagan is honoured and the spirit with which she approached life continues.
The event is a powerful symbol of hope ending at the Hospital for Sick Children in a human hug. Participants link hands and surround the hospital. Sick Kids patients well enough join and watch, and those that aren’t join by watching from inside.
At a time when the world is being forced to value things that money can’t buy, Meagan’s Walk is a special way to spend Mother’s day, and a unique gift. As Denise says, ‘there is no brunch in the world that can feed you the way that being involved in that hug does.’ A Mother’s Day checklist should be simple, and meaningful, and begin with- spend time with those you love.
Meagan’s Walk has raised over 1.4 million dollars for the Hospital for Sick Children since Meagan’s death.
For info and to register: http://www.meaganswalk.com employee of the month dvd download
Cost: $10 a person or $35 for a family of 4 (everyone gets a T-shirt)
You are also invited to raise pledges.
Date: Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10
Author: 
Publisher-Creator Mikhail Saavedra began life down by the deepest tip of southern Latin America. He started life with a deep curiosity for all things, with music and books being at the forefront, a curious child by all accounts. As he grew and opened his eyes to the world, he developed a sense of justice and dignity in part as a reaction to growing up in a military dictatorship. Alas, this did not fill him with fear or cynicism but a more rebellious spirit, which led him to being incredibly popular at the principal’s office and the local riot police department….
Then came Canada and it was here that he was able to formulate his deep desire to learn about the world, with Toronto being the kind of multicultural soup that could engage his need to know and embrace. It started with writing, then moved on to what became Toronto’s first Latin Alternative radio show, followed by an all-English show in the same vein. It was this desire to find the true “crossover” among people, which led him to the concept of “Alternavox”
He is a lover of wine, good food, Neruda, Eduardo Galeano, rebel music, revolutionaries, dancing, family and beautiful people. Believes that kindness in this much too cynical world is revolutionary, that you are a better person when able to give a little without asking for the change and that on the same token you should laugh at yourself and the madness surrounding you as often as possible as you set out to change the world bit by bit. 
Wow. Sophia, you have a way of expressing yourself that evokes very strong emotions in the reader. Thank-you. Beautifully written.
Will be there with my mom!
Thanks for writing this Sofia. We will be walking for my son.
Hi Sofia,
Thank you getting the word out there about Meagan’s Walk. My 4-year-old son is a brain tumour survivor, and we walk for him and with him. This will be our 4th year walking and I can’t think of a better way to spend Mother’s Day. It is a very uplifting experience.
A very inspiring story, written with passion. Thank you for helping spread the word about Meagan’s Walk
Great article. Really looking forward to the walk this year. It is always an amazing way to spend mothers day!
J udy Baxevanis says May 1, 2009. 7:04p.m. can’t imagine spending Mother’s Day any other way with my children, the Hug is so powerful
Beautifully written piece, Sofia. Meagan’s Walk is an annual must for Meagan’s Papa (Grandfather). We’re proud of Meagan’s Mom and share your plaudits.
This is our 3rd year walking in support of our nephew Jack and his journey with a brain tumor. We thank god everyday for him and every moment we get to spend with him. We would like to thank Denise for creating Meagan’s Walk. It is an amazing thing she is doing for everyone.
Hi Sofia,
My kids and I have walked now for the past 3 years in support of my friend’s son Jack but also other children that I have known to have brain tumours. I was only too happy to find such a worthwhile way to raise money and spend the day with my kids . It helps to know it is going to such a great cause too!
My son CARL walks for JACK and MEAGAN and all other children Always love to hear of JACK,s progress. HAPPY WALKING
Under the guidance and leadership of Adrian Pope, a teacher at St. Raphael Catholic School, as well as other staff members, parents, and students, our school has participated in the Meagan’s Walk for the last four years. In the past two years our entire school body has participated in the hug around the school. We hope to keep up the tradition.