Inaugural Brain Boogie Walk in Estevan raises awareness for brain injuries

ESTEVAN — On Saturday morning, Woodlawn Regional Park witnessed what's hoped to become a new page in local activism history.

Estevan's first-ever three-kilometre Brain Boogie Walk, held at the Fresh Air Fitness area, was aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association (SBIA). Forty-three participants enjoyed a morning of light exercise and a chance to support an important cause.

"This association is all about providing awareness and the prevention of brain injuries. There are more and more survivors in our province every day. Brain injuries happen in sports, car accidents, slips and falls, and intimate personal violence every day. The retreats are informative and educational for survivors," said the event description.

The event was spearheaded by local resident and brain injury survivor Jennifer Kuchinka. Over a decade ago, Kuchinka sustained a brain injury after being struck by a semi-truck, an experience she chronicled in her 2014 book, When the Truck Hit. She said organizing the Brain Boogie Walk felt like a natural step in giving back to the organization that supports others.

"I just felt it was a good event, so why couldn't we have one here?" Kuchinka said, noting that Estevan's strong community spirit, particularly in sports like hockey, made it a perfect location for the event.

"Brain injuries happen in sports lots... it's so important to wear helmets," she added, emphasizing the need for safety awareness.

The event saw significant support, both from provincial groups and local businesses, a number of which stepped in as sponsors.

"The Souris Family Pharmacy helped a lot, and so did Dr. Crook's [Estevan] Dental, Billesberger Law, and Westmoreland Mining," said Kuchinka. "The community has been very supportive with door prizes, too."

One sponsor even reached out after reading her story in the Mercury, wanting to contribute to the association in her honour, she added.

The day's activities started with a couple of speeches. Glenda James, executive director for the SBIA, opened the day in Estevan, followed by an address from Coun. Kirsten Walliser. After quick stretching exercises led by Kuchinka participants embarked on the walk. A raffle and lunch followed.

"Over the last four years, we've really put an increased focus on how we build a community that's accessible for everyone. And I think having supports and programs and awareness like this is one of those steps," said Walliser on behalf of the city.

Estevan's inaugural Brain Boogie Walk wasn't just about raising funds, but it was also about extending a sense of community and understanding for those affected by brain injuries in Estevan, Kuchinka said.

"We [through SBIA] have two retreats, one in Saskatoon and one in Regina, so we're able to get together and we support each other. We have lots of laughs and good food, and that's finding supports within each other, with each other," Kuchinka said.

She also expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, media and participants involved.

Kuchinka hopes it will become an annual tradition in Estevan, helping to create greater awareness about brain injuries in the local community, and also raise funds for the SBIA.

Kuchinka's goal was to raise $2,000 for the SBIA. The actual total raised wasn't immediately available.