Unique Edmonton relay race named for girl with brain cancer raises money for families affected by childhood cancer

Edmontonians took to RE/MAX Field in Rossdale on Saturday to take part in a unique obstacle course, once that’s aimed at helping the families of children with cancer to get over some hurdles of their own.

“The Rheanna Bowl is essentially a relay race over some giant inflatable obstacle courses,” said Karl Sibbons, the founder of the event which supports a registered charity with the same name.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Kristen Thurber, who was at the event for the first time to join one of the teams raising money for families impacted by childhood cancer.

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The Rheanna Bowl gets its name from Rheanna Trepanier, who, in 2016, was diagnosed with four brain tumours at the age of 10. Her brain cancer was terminal but Trepanier impressed many Edmontonians with her positivity, embarking on a mission to check off as many items as she can off her bucket list.

READ MORE: Edmonton girl with terminal brain cancer defying the odds

Watch below: In January 2018, Sarah Kraus caught up with Rheanna Trepanier, a young girl who living with brain cancer.

2:04 Edmonton girl with brain cancer defying the odds

“I met her when I was up in Yellowknife on a project,” Sibbons said of the girl. “Rheanna and her family were fulfilling an item on their bucket list.

“It really made me sort of contemplate life a little more.”

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Sibbons said 10 months ago, Trepanier’s mother decided to end some of the more difficult hospital treatments in favour of cannabidiol, and he said the results have been positive. That prompted him to reach out to Aurora Cannabis, a major Canadian cannabis producer, to see if they wanted to donate to his cause. The company ended up donating $50,000.

READ MORE: 10-year-old Edmonton girl with 4 brain tumours chasing bucket list before Christmas

Watch below: In November 2016, Sarah Kraus filed this report about a young Edmonton girl who had recently received a heartwrenching diagnosis.

2:13 Alberta girl pursues bucket list after getting gutwrenching diagnosis

Sibbons says while there are many great charites working to help families of children with cancer, he believes his organization fills a gap.

Over 200 people took part in Saturday’s event.