By: Chris Traber
beingwell magazine Fall 2007

She’s a busy medical secretary to Dr. John Turner and Dr. Joel Dekoven, both associated with Southlake Regional Health Centre, and a serious marathon runner.

Going the distance at a variety of marathons throughout Ontario, Ms Ruffolo uses her athleticism to help keep herself in shape and support those who aren’t as fortunate health wise.

Every time she hits the road, she also hits up friends, family and colleagues for pledges that she donates to worthy causes. Over the years, there have been numerous beneficiaries.

At long distance events in Toronto, Ottawa and Mississauga, she has helped raise money for Princess Margaret Hospital, The Terry Fox Foundation and Easter Seals through the Persechini’s fitness run each spring in Newmarket.

Working across the street from Southlake, she became aware of the Whipper Watson Challenge in support of the namesake’s therapeutic pool and raised $2,336 for the pool in the 2005 Mississauga run. Last year she donated an additional $1,050. When the pool was completed, she decided to focus on the new Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake and, earlier this year, collected $1,300 in pledges.

“It just hit me one day,” she said. “I ran for other hospital fundraisers and decided, since Southlake supports us, we should support it. It’s good for the community and it makes me feel good. Really, it’s a selfish act.”

Ms Ruffolo, who began a serious marathon training regime in 2001, works out four days a week and is preparing now for the Toronto half marathon, a 22 kilometre race in October.

Working hard to lower her times, she toils equally to raise money.

“I feel that we should all help out in our community and do what we can,” she said. “It’s the least we can do.”

Her initial long distance inspiration was Terry Fox and she continues to run in that annual event.

“When I think about Terry Fox, I am truly inspired,” Ms Ruffolo said. “Terry brings tears to my eyes because he started this. He ran across Canada for cancer research. No matter what, I always make time for the Terry Fox Run in September.”

Running, she said, makes her feel good. Raising funds for organizations, particularly the new Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake, at the same time is a bonus.

“It’s an opportunity for us to do something good for our society,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to leave my mark. I’ll support our hospital for as long as I can.”

Just before Ms Ruffalo’s marathon next spring, Southlake will set up a booth within the hospital where supporters can make a pledge. Contact Ms Ruffolo by email at wendy_ruffolo@hotmail.com if you would like to pledge before then.

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