Rebecca Martin

I'm fundraising for...

I am participating in the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge taking place this June in support of Wellspring Alberta. I am excited to take on the challenge and look forward to pushing myself to climb in support of people living with cancer.

By donating to me, you are helping to make a difference in the lives of many! Proceeds from the event will support Wellspring Alberta, an organization that provides free programs, services and support to individuals living with cancer – those diagnosed, caregivers and kids. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the life of someone facing cancer so that no one has to face cancer alone! For more information about Wellspring Alberta, visit wellspringalberta.ca.

Wellspring Alberta will gift a portion of the proceeds to the Firefighters Assistance Charitable Society (FACS) whose mission is to empower and strengthen the firefighter by enhancing the success and resilience of the firefighter community.

Please support me and these deserving organizations today by making your tax-deductible donation online.

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Heavy and hopeful heart

Saturday 17th May

This year had been a lot different for me as the stair climb approaches!

Last year I was fairly consistently doing stair practice about three times a week. Comparatively, this year I am lucky if I get one practice a week in! Amongst working nearly full time, life with six kids and their needs, as well as completing courses and training to apply to full time fire departments...there is little "extra" time! I had hoped to try and beat my own time from last year (57 stories in 18:47 I believe), but now I'm thinking I will be lucky if I complete it in under 25 min. Who knows! The adrenaline always helps a bit on climb day!

Honestly, my heart has felt heavy. And when your heart is heavy, every extra challenge feels harder and more difficult to complete. I am experiencing career setbacks that have caused me to question myself, my calling and my abilities.

I find parenting teenagers incredibly challenging. I'm great with babies and toddlers but man once their problems start getting more complex and my relationship with them starts getting more strained...it can be very disheartening.

But the largest reason for my heavy heartedness is that a close family member was diagnosed with breast cancer in January.

Now, as I fundraise for Wellspring Alberta and share that they are a resource for those fighting cancer...and their families...I fall into this category.

Last year, this family member showed their support of my stair climb by attending the day of and cheering me on. They were the only ones who were able to do so.

It meant so much to me, to have them there, supporting me.

Now this year, I climb for them. Because they are a strong, courageous person and if anyone can win the fight against cancer it would be them!

I wish they didn't have to walk this road. But they are not alone in it. This year, I am climbing for them, as our family stands with them through each step of their treatment and chemo.

This year, I climb with a heavy heart, but one that is filled with hope for the road ahead.

The letting go and the grabbing on

Friday 24th Jan

I've been through a recent transition.

Actually..many recent transitions.

Stay at home Mom, to working Mom.

Homeschool Mom to private Christian school Mom.

Country living family to small town living family.

My first firehall to my second.

I am learning a lot about change in different seasons of life and how resisting those changes actually inhibits growth. I had a mold, a very specific cookie cutter view of what my life would look and be like as a mother, family, Christian and worker...and where I've found myself is very different from where I thought I would be.

Different can be scary, but different, is good.

I think about the season before firefighting came into my life.

It was beautiful.

I had over ten years of being home with my babies, loving and caring for them. I wouldnt change those years for anything. They tested me, grew me and shaped me in numerous ways.

I look at my life now, and feel like I am still working on getting my bearings. Town life, and parenting teens is different.

Different can be scary, but different, is good.

I am processing the grief of our move to town meaning giving up firefighting with Red Deer County, while genuinely enjoying the dynamics and differences at my volunteer firehall. I am loving being on the first truck(rather than the third), or the first to the hall (rather than the fifth).

I am loving the opportunities to pour into my community and serve more consistently.

As I get to know my new team who I will be doing the firefighter stair climb with this year, I have the assurance I've had before, that we as firefighters are all here for the same purpose.

To help.

And as we fundraise for Wellspring Alberta, we reflect on cancer diagnosis and the difficult road of fighting it. On the people we have lost because of it.

With this in mind, each time I put on my weighted vest to train, and each time I step up another stair....I am reminded of the privilege I have to stand with those, who are fighting for those they love. To fight with those who are fighting for their own lives.

It is a battle I wish no one had to fight. Yet it is one that will not be fought in solitude.

As I process the letting go, and grabbing on in my own life,

I look ahead to the good, hard and beautiful challenges.

I remember...

Different can be scary.

But different, is good.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$212

Benita Dalton

Thanks for volunteering and fundraising for an important cause.

$106

Anonymous

$106

Scott & Jill Martin

$106

G & T Good

Proud of you Beck! In memory of Auntie Phyl and cousin Cathy. 💕

$100

Melissa & Kevin Derksen

$53

Natalie Townshend

Sending love and prayers for both you and the family members. 🙏🏻🤞🏻💕

$53

Tara Put

So sorry to hear you have a family member facing cancer too. Wellspring has been an amazing resource and community for my sister this past year, and I am so glad it exists. She takes all sorts of classes there and has met a lot of people too. Thank you for the fundraising you are doing for people who are facing this!

$53