Y I Walk: Masauni’s Story
03-10-2024
A Journey of Growth, Determination, and Community Impact
It’s hard to believe it’s been only a short time since we finished the 72k walk. The physical exhaustion has worn off, but the emotional impact of that experience is something I’ll carry with me for much longer.
Being part of this walk wasn’t just a challenge I set for myself, it was an opportunity to push my limits and do something truly meaningful, all while supporting a cause close to my heart—housing support for the YMCA Mens Residence.
When I first committed to the walk, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. It was about so much more than just showing up on the day and completing the distance. Months of preparation lay ahead, from physical training to mental conditioning, and of course, the fundraising. I threw myself into all of it, knowing that each piece of the puzzle was important, not just for my personal success, but for the bigger mission we were all striving toward.
Training wasn’t always easy. There were days when I wondered if I’d be able to complete such a challenge. But in those moments, I reminded myself we were doing this to raise funds and awareness for those in our community who rely on us. The team I trained alongside was a constant source of inspiration. Watching everyone commit to the cause, train hard, and give it their all, kept me going when things got tough.
When the first day of the walk finally arrived, I could feel the weight of the journey ahead of us. The atmosphere held a sense of determination. We were all in this together, and it showed in the way we supported one another. As we took those first steps, I couldn’t help but feel immense pride not just in what we were about to accomplish, but in the incredible people around me who were pouring their hearts into every step, just like I was.
That first day was tough, to say the least. Each kilometre was a reminder of the physical and mental endurance this walk demanded. But we persevered. The encouragement, the shared laughs, and the unspoken understanding between us made even the hardest parts of the journey a little easier. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you’re surrounded by people who are just as dedicated to the cause as you are.
We pushed ourselves to keep moving forward, and even though exhaustion was setting in, there was no giving up.
After a long day, most of us only managed to catch a few hours of sleep overnight. Despite the lack of rest, we woke up the next day with renewed determination. With the final 30 kilometres ahead of us, no one let fatigue get in the way.
We hit the road, stayed ahead of schedule, and powered through with the same spirit that had carried us through the first half of the journey.
What struck me most throughout the entire experience was the resilience and strength of the team. Every single person walked with purpose, knowing that our efforts would have a lasting impact on the lives of those we were supporting. I have so much admiration and respect for the other seven walkers who took on this challenge. The dedication and commitment they showed was nothing short of inspiring, and it pushed me to dig deeper, even when my own energy was running low. I’ve always believed in the power of teamwork, but this experience solidified it for me in a way that words can barely express.
It wasn’t just the physical act of walking that made this journey special. It was the bond we formed, the support we gave each other, and the shared goal of making a difference in our community. Walking side by side with people who cared as much about the cause as I did gave me a sense of purpose beyond just finishing the journey.
Every step felt like we were collectively working toward something bigger than ourselves, something that would leave a positive mark on the lives of those in need.
The Long Walk Home is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also one of the most rewarding. Knowing that we’ve helped make a difference in the lives of others is a feeling I’ll carry with me forever.
On September 13 and 14, Kelly Frapporti-Tobin, Robin Abbott, Joshua Austin, Manny Figueiredo, Paul Haddad, Genevieve Hladysh, Pete Wiesner, and Masauni Masauni walked 72 km in just 2 days, and raised over $72,000 for our men in residence.
