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PACE will always be close to my heart and be an organization that I support but most importantly, it will remain a home away from home.

I had a dual role at PACE, my responsibilities included being both a Student Program Assistant and the Volunteer Coordinator for the East gym. My “on-floor” work as a Student Program Assistant was instrumental in developing my communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities. Being given the unique privilege of working with special populations, such as those inflicted with spinal cord injuries or those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, allowed me to become a better person and professional. By working with these populations and listening to their stories, I was able to become a more empathic and grateful person. My “off-floor” role as the Volunteer Coordinator granted me the opportunity to understand the administrative work that goes into successfully running a functional clinic. Having to train and manage 120 volunteers year-round was not an easy task but thankfully due to the overwhelming support and guidance from the senior leadership, I was able to fulfill my role to a high standard. Without the help of Stu, Colleen, Angelica, and other staff, I would have not been able to bring volunteer participation from 15 volunteers to over 100 in one year. Through my work, I have gained some invaluable skills and have met some incredible people with strength and motivation that precedes my own. PACE will always be close to my heart and be an organization that I support but most importantly, it will remain a home away from home.

To this day I still visit clients both inside and outside the PACE on a regular basis as I truly do consider them friends.

My name is Andrew Mikhail and I’m a former volunteer and staff member at the PACE. My first experience with PACE was after my first year of undergrad when I began volunteering in the MacWheelers exercise program. I truly enjoyed my summer volunteering there, helping out the clients in a very friendly and supportive environments. I found myself wanting to be there more often and it didn’t feel like a “volunteering task” but more of a place where I can come socialize with clients while helping them follow their exercise programs. During my second year, I increased my volunteer shifts to 3-4 times per week where I got to know more of the lovely clients and previous staff. During May 2016, I had the honour of being hired as a staff member for the MSFITT and MacWheelers program. I can confidently say that it was my favourite employment. Aside from building on my friendships with both staff and clients, I was able to have more responsibilities and further help clients by creating individualized exercise programs and leading one on one sessions on specialized equipment such as the lokomat and Zero-G. Unfortunately, I am no longer a staff member at PACE after beginning my master’s degree, but my experience there will stay with me forever. Many of the skills I learned at PACE including good clinical practice and modifying exercises to fit an individual have really helped me in my graduate studies while organizing my own research studies. To this day I still visit clients both inside and outside the PACE on a regular basis as I truly do consider them friends.

I love being a MacWarrior!

I love being a MacWarrior!

A diagnosis of cancer, and the subsequent surgeries and treatments are very challenging, and take a physical and emotional toll on your body, heart, and mind. Many of us are blessed to have a circle of family and friends who surround us with love, positive energy, and hope. The Mac Warriors program builds on this circle by adding another source of strength and healing.

A skilled physiotherapist, and a phenomenal team of professionals and students work together with us to create a fitness program that is designed for our special and unique needs. The team understands the challenges of those dealing with cancer and works with us on an individual basis to strengthen our bodies and minds.
When I started with the Mac Warriors program 6 months ago, I could not stand up from a sitting position in a chair without using my arms to help me to get up. Now, I am not only leaping out of a chair, but I am also doing planks, push-ups and lunges! The Mac Warriors team guides us, supports us, and celebrates our accomplishments every step of the way.
In addition to becoming stronger and fitter, I am also a member of the Mac Warriors community and have another circle of friends and support around me. Meeting these friends and collaborating together within the Mac Warriors community is the BEST side effect of cancer treatments.
The Mac Warriors program changes lives … I know because it changed mine … and I am incredibly grateful!