Find your inspiration!
By fundraising for Heart & Stroke you are joining an amazing community of passionate supporters across Canada working to improve the lives of Canadians affected by heart disease, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment. Here are just a few of the events, challenges, and celebrations being hosted by people just like you.
Makari Espe
Driven by gratitude, Makari raised funds for Heart & Stroke to celebrate the heroes behind her father's recovery. "I’m fundraising for Heart & Stroke to show my gratitude to the incredible doctors and nurses who saved my dad’s life after his heart attack and cardiac arrests in 2023. About two years ago, my dad made it through a major heart attack and six cardiac arrests, and we truly owe so much to the bright, dedicated, and caring medical staff who helped him survive that difficult week. Two years ago, I challenged myself to walk 30,000 steps every day for a week. Last year, I took on a new challenge—cycling 30 km each day for a week—with the aim of matching last year’s fundraiser." Makari surpassed her goal of matching and raised over $10,000!
Candace Schreindorfer
Candace started an annual February bake sale to honour her uncle and make a lasting impact. "I started the Heartwarming Valentines fundraiser at TC Energy in 2024 to honour my uncle Ken, who passed away from cardiac arrest at just 45. He had the biggest heart, and I wanted to keep his giving spirit alive. Supporting Heart & Stroke felt like the right way to give back—by helping others learn the signs of heart attacks and strokes, and promoting heart health. This year, that knowledge became personal again. I recognized the signs in my dad, and we got him the help he needed. He’s now recovering, and it reminded me how important it is to take care of ourselves and each other, just like my uncle always did."
Brandi Brydges
Brandi ran the Calgary Servus marathon and raised more than $2,000 for Heart & Stroke. “In September, my dad suffered a stroke, and our world changed. Witnessing his courageous fight through recovery has been nothing short of inspiring. Every step I take is powered by my dad’s grit, and I couldn’t be more proud of him. I ran the marathon with my best friend, whose father and father-in-law are heart attack survivors. We wore our dads' names on our shirts, and when the marathon got challenging, it was a reminder to us to not give up—just like they didn't give up."
JP Fillion
JP was born with pulmonary stenosis, which affects blood flow from the heart to the lungs. After three operations, his condition has improved. "My heart used to have to work 11 to 16 times harder than a normal heart, but now it only has to work 3 to 8 times harder." JP gives back by participating with Juniper Networks in the Ride for Heart Corporate Challenge. In 2024, JP rode 5,514km – the equivalent distance of crossing Canada – and in 2025, despite having surgery in February, he managed to do the same.
Paul Appleman
Paul Appleman has participated in Ride for Heart for 12 years, riding 935 days in a row and accumulating 19,050 kilometres on his bike! Paul’s incredible streak broke in April of 2023 when he experienced chest pains while cycling and had to get off and walk. Shortly after, Paul was admitted to the hospital, where he underwent a double bypass surgery. After a
46-day recovery, Paul got back on his bike and started his new riding streak—more than 300 days—and rode 700 kilometres!
A half marathon and a 40 km bicycle Ride for Heart & Stroke
Mariève’s father and aunt are both living with the effects of stroke, and in their honour, Mariève stepped out of her comfort zone and completed a 10 km run and a 40 km bicycle ride, raising more than $4,000 in support of life-saving heart and brain research!
“Since physical activity helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, I decided to take on a challenge. I chose running a half-marathon because it is difficult and a sport I do not particularly enjoy. I have never run more than 10 km! Why am I doing this? Because it is difficult. Because the people I know who are affected [by heart disease and stroke] do not find it easy that their lives have changed so drastically.”
The Owl’s Head Open
At age 32, Kamil got some surprising news being diagnosed with stage four severe heart failure and cardiomegaly. Kamil has been an organizer of the charity tournament, The Owl’s Head open for 5 years and after his diagnosis, the decision was made to hold it in benefit of Heart & Stroke in 2023. On top of a successful personal fundraiser, Kamil and the other participants raised over $4,000 for Heart and Stroke through the tournament.
12-Hour Run for Heart & Stroke
“I am running for my Dad, who suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest on October 30, 2020. I am pushing myself to be better and faster and stronger because that's exactly what he would want. And I am raising money for Heart & Stroke and their medical research that saves lives and enhances recovery outcomes for cardiac patients like my Dad.”
On June 24, 2023, Larissa ran a 12-Hour Ultra Marathon in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. She set out with a goal to run 63km in 12 hours and fundraise $3,000 for Heart & Stroke! Larissa not only surpassed her distance goal, but her fundraising goal as well. In the end, she ran 80.5km in 12 hours and raised over $3,200, making a real impact for Heart & Stroke research and advocacy with her efforts.
Danny's Ride
“I had lost 20 pounds, I was taking hang gliding lessons, playing tennis, boxing so I thought I was fit and I had no idea I was having a heart attack.” In 2021, one year after suffering a heart attack Danny decided to do something for his health and give back at the same time by bicycling across Canada to raise funds for Heart and Stroke. “The places I’ve stayed, people I’ve talked to, people buying me breakfast, doing my laundry, the encouragement. It’s been spectacular and the scenery I’ve run into, bears even,”
After the trip of a lifetime, Danny celebrated by dipping his bike wheel in the Atlantic having raised $4,000 for Heart & Stroke research and advocacy.
Heartbeat for Hope
Talia’s father passed away of a heart attack in 2020 while playing a game they both loved, badminton. “Experiencing my father’s passing was excruciating, and I would not want anyone else to experience such loss. “ In his memory she has organized Heartbeat for Hope: A tournament that brings together badminton enthusiasts to have fun, make new friends, and support a great cause!
In 2023 Talia raised over $17, 621 for Heart & Stroke research and advocacy with her tournament as well as a silent auction featuring jerseys of top badminton players from around the world.
See what's on
From coast to coast to coast, endless events are being hosted in support of Heart & Stroke and our mission to beat heart disease and stroke. Take a look at some of the upcoming events happening across the country and get inspired for your own fundraising journey.
#HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne
Now it’s your turn to inspire others! Make every beat count on social media by posting why you’re choosing to fundraise your way. Use the hashtag #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne and don’t forget to tag @heartandstroke
