Mike Warren, a resident of the Comox Valley truly embodies the saying of putting your best foot forward.
With his sneakers tightly laced, Warren is embarking on his fourth annual Mike’s Miles, a charitable walk spanning multiple days to support the Comox Valley Head Injury Society. His mission is to traverse a minimum of 20km daily for seven consecutive days, starting June 5 to 11, beginning from the CVHIS office at 102-254 Simms St. in Courtenay.
“I aim to walk day, rain or shine,” explains Warren, who is 71 years old.
A survivor of brain injury, Warren’s journey towards fundraising began with his passion for long-distance walking. His dedication to the cause stems from his personal experience, igniting a desire to raise awareness and extend a helping hand to those in need.
Last year, Mike’s Miles raised $10,000 for the CVHIS. This year, he would like to beat that number.
Stephanie McGowan, executive director of the society says she is “blown away” by Warren’s goal-setting and athleticism.
“He gets more steps in a day than I do in a month,” she adds with a laugh. “It’s so incredible to see so many people gather (behind him).”
Despite facing partial blindness due to the treatment of brain tumors in the early 2000s, Mike remains undeterred, embracing each step as a testament to his resilience.
Now sitting on the CVHIS board, Warren notes that while his goal for the run is to fundraise for the organization, it is also to bring about awareness.
“The head injury community is amazing and are all heroes - everyone is trying to improve their life.”
McGowan explains the fundraiser is a major one for the society and funds raised will go towards their healthy lunch program, which provides food and fellowship while assisting with cognitive and social skills development. She estimates the CVHIS has about 400 open files and has served more than 1,000 lunches.
“People don’t realize how prevalent head injuries are…we want to reduce the stigma and increase understanding.”
Donations to ‘Mike’s Miles’ are being accepted via https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/5893