Dayna R. McKay from the small Tshimpshian village of Lax Kw’alaams just north of Prince Rupert is preparing to carry out a marathon 52 kilometre open ocean swim from her home community of Lax Kw’alaams to Prince Rupert, with the swim taking place on the tentative date of June 21, 2012.
Dayna wants to raise money and awareness of cancer amongst her people as cancer has touched every family in the small community over the years. Her inspiration for this swim is her Uncle Billy, William R. Sampson, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June, 2009.
Dayna has the encouragement and support from family, friends and band members from Lax Kw’alaams, Prince Rupert, Terrace and Vancouver areas, many of whom have volunteered to help her make this dream become a reality.
With the help of a volunteer personal dry-land trainer and a volunteer swimming coach Dayna has started a training regiment that will make sure that she is fit enough to make the long swim.
Dayna, with a small core group of volunteers, is in the initial stages of planning for this cause. Through the efforts of her team of volunteers Dayna has the backing, support and approval of the Richard Wesley Memorial Trust Fund, the Lax Kw’alaams Volunteer Firemen & First Responders and the Lax Kw’alaams Band Council.
She is seeking further endorsement from several other community groups and also seeking sponsorship endorsement from several large companies and legal entities within the Prince Rupert and Terrace areas.
Anyone wanting more information can contact Don McKay at (250)625-3485 or Dayna R. McKay (250)625-3417 or Marilyn Bryant.