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Women paddling across Canada to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis

May 3, 2018 | 4:53 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Three women from Manitoba are paddling across Canada to raise money and awareness for a cause close to their heart.

Kendra Hurley, Claire Davis and Rylea McEvoy, also known at the Byway Babes, began their cross-Canada canoe journey a month ago in British Columbia to help Cystic Fibrosis Canada. They arrived in Medicine Hat on Wednesday afternoon.

The group has been planning to paddle across Canada for two years, says Davis.

“Kendra and Rylea conceived it over some sangria in an aluminum canoe, and they had thought about it, and asked me if I wanted to join in the adventure,” she said. “I was like ‘why not?’”

“It sounded amazing, and it’s just kind of the right time in our lives to do something like this.”

Davis has a personal reason for wanting to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis, as she was diagnosed with the disease, which affects the lungs, when she was a child. She notes the disease affects everyone differently.

“I’ve always been very active, so I try to keep my lungs in good working condition, which definitely has its struggles at times,” she said. “It does take a lot of effort, and definitely the other do pick up a little bit of slack for me because I can only go so far.”

Hurley adds it’s pretty incredible watching Davis paddle with them on their journey.

“Rylea and I, we have it easy in comparison,” she said. “She has one more thing that she has to deal with. It’s pretty amazing. She’s pretty cool.”

Hurley said their teamwork and paddling skills have improved over the month since they started their trip.

“It’s been going really well,” said Hurley. “We’ve been really working on our communication.”

The team is heading back out on the river on Friday, with the goal of finishing in Saint John, New Brunswick by October.

But, they plan to enjoy the journey as long as it lasts.

“It’s just great to spend so much time with these women, and just doing such a great cause,” said Davis. “It’s just nice to get a change of pace of life, getting away from cities, and getting out in nature.”

You can follow their progress, and donate to their cause, on their website.