For many parents, finding out their child's illness is something more than a simple case of the flu or a cold is their worst nightmare.
Having an accessible Children's Hospital staffed with knowledgeable doctors and specialists can make all the difference in diagnosing, treating, and ultimately reassuring children and their parents.
It is for this cause that Len Peterson is cycling across Saskatchewan - to raise money for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan.
"A lot of times children and their families have to travel out of province to get that care," said Peterson, adding he believes having a Children's Hospital will attract more specialists to the province.
But there is also a tragic undertone to his trip, as he is also cycling for his daughter, Lauren.
"I wanted to do something in memory of my daughter," said the RCMP officer. "We always rode our bikes together."
Lauren passed away April 11, less than three weeks ago, at the age of 13. A bright, happy girl, Lauren first started showing symptoms when she was three years old. Typical childhood illnesses such as chicken pox or the flu had disastrous effects on Lauren.
"When she was acutely ill, she would lapse into a comatose state and have seizures," said Peterson.
For the next 10 years, the drive between the family's home in Naicam and the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon would became a familiar one, as doctors struggled to identify Lauren's condition.
At the time of Lauren's death, her condition was still undiagnosed, although doctors believed she was suffering from a rare mitochondrial disorder that hampered her body's ability to metabolize energy.
Peterson's wife, Jan, said Lauren's passing has been extremely difficult on the family, including Lauren's two younger siblings; Macey, 8, and Adam, 4.
"The sudden passing of Lauren has left [Len] unable to concentrate at work and unable to just stay at home," said Jan. "He is hoping the busyness of the preparing for the trip and the long hours on the road will help him make sense of this tragic loss."
Peterson will set off on his 800 km journey from Meadow Lake, where he is currently stationed and where the family has resided for nearly a year.
Leaving May 1, he will be covering about 80 km per day, and plans to arrive in North Battleford in the evening of May 2, stay the night and leave at 6 a.m. for Saskatoon.
Going as far south as Regina, Peterson's trip will end in Naicam, where Lauren has been laid to rest.
Along the way he will be collecting donations, and, of course, reflecting on the time he spent with his daughter - time that ran out all too quickly.
Peterson said, "her laughter and sense of humour" are what he will likely miss the most about Lauren, adding "she loved to draw and she loved to read."
If people are unable to catch Lauren's father on the road, they can make a donation directly to the Children's Hospital Foundation at www.childrenshospitalfoundation.sk.ca.
