 From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories.
Misericordia Place resident Chris Koladka is churning out kilometres on the rehabilitation biking trainer, barely out of breath. He thinks his 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces hold him in good physical stead, although a problem with his heart has slowed him down considerably. As a member of the Fort Garry Horse militia regiment, Chris was stationed all across Canada - primarily instructing specialized classes in weapons and communication. “If I could go anywhere in the world, it would definitely be to France,” says Chris, who has never travelled outside of Canada. “France because I’d really like to follow the route my unit took leading up to D-Day in the Second World War.” Coincidentally, Chris is wearing a bright yellow Fort Garry Horse T-shirt while he exercises. “I wasn’t in the Second World War,” he clarifies, laughing. “I’m not that old.” Chris would especially love to see Juno Beach in Normandy and pay tribute to those who have fallen. Canada suffered 1,200 casualties out of 21,400 troops who landed at Juno Beach on D-Day – a casualty ratio of one out of 18. Recreation facilitator Ana Anusic offers to help Chris trace his unit’s journey to France. But for now, she is putting Chris through the paces: upper body free weight training will the rehab bike conditioning. “Ana likes to make me suffer,” says Chris, with a wink and a smile. You can give the gift of adventure! Support Chris's journey to Normandy, France - 6,502 km
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