About Steven and his special run

"My son, Steven Mark Fowler, was diagnosed with cancer in May of 1998. While at the Children's Hospital under going chemo and radiation therapy, I asked Steven if there was something that he had always wanted to do. He said that he had always wanted to ride in a limousine.

I started asking around if anyone knew how much it would cost to rent a limo for an hour. The social worker that was helping us at the hospital, said that she might know someone. She was able to arrange a limo that was generously donated. We were trying to decide where to go with the limo, when someone suggested touring Calgary to see the Christmas lights.

From there it grew beyond my wildest dreams. To this day, I am not really sure how it grew to be so big. Next thing I knew we were going to ride in the limo to Airdrie and there we would meet Santa Claus and take a ride on a fire truck to the Festival of Lights. This limo ride would include some of Steven's friends and his family. Everyone had a wonderful time, but unfortunately that first year the weather was so bad Steven could not complete the whole tour. I believe that was not only a disappointment to us but also to all the generous volunteers.
Steven passed away in July of 1999 at the age of 11. The volunteers decided to make the run an annual event and to name it after Steven. So each year a critically ill child is selected to attend this event. There are many people who volunteer; there are the emergency personnel in Airdrie, the Limo Company and driver. There is even a very kind lady who makes hats and scarves to give to the families to help keep them warm during the event. I meet the families in Airdrie every year and the volunteers always include Steven's younger brother, Bryan, in the run.

I would like to thank the many volunteers that work so hard to make this event possible every year. I know that it is very special to me and to all the families that attend. I honestly believe that Steven would be proud to have this run named after him."

From Laura Fowler - Steven's Mum

This year, Steven's Run will be held on Sunday 13th December hosted by Five Star Communications.