Man who raised $100,000 during Canada Cancer Walk stops in North Bay

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Jackson Charron-Okerlund became a determined man after seeing cancer up close and the damage it causes to people and their families.

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The Winnipeg resident worked in long-term care for four years, working with people up to 100 years old.

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“It made me realize that the greatest gift in life is longevity. But cancer is increasing far too quickly,” says Charron-Okerlund.

That was the inspiration for Charron-Okerlund to find a way to make a difference.

“I was a runner at the time and was very inspired by Terry Fox. I loved his humanitarian spirit, his courage and his determination.”

Charron felt that helping a limited number of people in a long-term care home pales in comparison to what a fundraiser for cancer patients across Canada could do.

Charron-Okerlund embarked on a 160-day run and walk across Canada to raise money for cancer research and to pay tribute to Terry Fox. His efforts earned him widespread attention and support when Charron-Okerlund raised $100,000 for cancer research.

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Okerlund-Charron saved $10,000 to finance his trip. He did what he could to cut costs while traveling, such as sleeping in a tent. When he noticed, Charron-Okerlund found people who came to donate food, gifts and gas cards to help him and his small support team reach their destination.

In 2024, Charron-Okerlund embarked on a 45-stop book tour to continue raising money for cancer research.

His book ‘Brunswick’s Big Adventure’ is (he says) a somewhat fictional account of his walking and running journey across Canada.

(Back of Jackson Charron-Okerlund’s book – Brunswick’s Big Adventure – submitted)

Charron-Okerlund says he has sold 400 books so far and charges $25 per copy. $10 dollars from every sale goes to cancer research.

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He says that even though the book is about his journey, the real story is about the cancer patients and their efforts to help them.

Danielle Shank-Nilsson was on hand at the North Bay Waterfront at Charron-Okerlund’s makeshift book stand.

Shank-Nilsson followed the runner’s progress on social media and was enthusiastic about the 25-year-old.

“What he did for cancer research was truly amazing. To walk across Canada in the snow, rain, wind, scorching heat and he never gave up,” says Shank-Nilsson.

Shank-Nilsson says a comparison with Charron-Okerlund’s hero is fair.

“He’s a real hero, just like Terry Fox. He wanted to continue Terry Fox’s journey and make it to the end. I am beyond proud of him because he has raised over $100,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation and now he is raising even more money with the help of his book. He is truly an inspiring young man with big goals. He will go far in life,” says the proud supporter.

Catherine Labrosse was also visiting Charron-Okerlund on the waterfront. Labrosse happens to be a cousin of the cancer fundraiser.

“Jackson with his warm hug and infectious smile has given those he touched hope that one day he will come cancer will be defeated,” Labrosse said in a Facebook post.

Charron-Okerlund now heads west, stopping all the way to British Columbia.

This link will guide anyone who wants to purchase ‘Brunswick’s Big Adventure’.

https://crosscanadajax.myshopify.com/

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