13 Year Old Canadian Girl to Ski 100-Mile Marathon for Children with Cancer

Today we want to shine a spotlight on Jessie Krejick, an amazing 13 year-old girl from Quebec province who will be raising money and awareness for childhood cancer research over the weekend of February 9 -10. Jessie is participating in the Canadian Ski Marathon, the longest two-day cross-country ski event in the world.

Jessie is raising funds for CureSearch and for children’s hospitals in Canada as part of her endeavor.

Jessie’s efforts have already garnered major attention north of border. She has been recognized in the Canadian House of Commons, has been invited to a private audience with the Governor General of Canada, and is being followed nationally in the Canadian media.

The marathon route crosses snowy rolling hills between Ottawa and Montreal and includes setting up one’s own overnight camp (bivouacking). All skiers, including Jessie, are required to carry all their own camping equipment on their backs as they ski the 100-mile course. The average temperature for the marathon is -20 C (about -5 F).

This is third time Jessie has skied in the Canadian Ski Marathon. In 2005, she became the youngest female ever to complete the event. This time, she wanted her accomplishment to support something bigger than herself.

“I knew a girl in our ski club who died of cancer two years ago, and my best friend’s mom was just diagnosed with cancer. I like to ski. I don’t do it for the distance; I am doing this to save lives.”

CureSearch congratulates Jessie Krejick on her achievement and wishes her all the best next weekend. We’ll be sure to update her progress for you; keep checking back here or visit her blog.