École Steffie Woima School students participated in the fourth annual Steffie Kids Marathon last Thursday, led by the school’s heroic leukemia survivor, 11-year-old Michael Arthur.
The marathon is held at the school every year and promotes exercise for children.
This year’s theme was orange, and all participants wore an orange T-shirt to support for Arthur’s recent battle against cancer.
Wearing an orange T-shirt himself, Arthur confidently led the whole school down to Centennial Park on his bicycle.
“It’s exciting to lead the marathon,” Arthur said. “I have mixed emotions about this. I feel happy.”
After spending months undergoing chemotherapy, Arthur has completed all his treatments and is now in remission.
“There are no more cancer cells visible in my body,” Arthur said with a smile.
Life is getting back to normal for Arthur. He has recently rejoined his Grade 5 class and has gotten back into playing hockey again.
After leading everyone to the finish line, Arthur caught up with his friends and teacher and danced to the songs Cadillac Ranch and YMCA.
It was clear that Arthur’s friends were happy to see him participate in school activities.
Each marathon participant received a Steffie Kids Marathon 2015 medal at the finish line, while a number of prizes were also handed out.