Just to be alive, I consider myself a lucky guy. Having taken part in or been witness to some of the amazing moments during my lifetime, I consider myself blessed. This past Friday was one of those moments.
I met Curtis Hargrove back in high school. Thinking back, it's hard to remember what I used to think I knew about him, because all I can think of now is what I learned about him since finding out he was running across Canada for the Stollery Children's Hospital.
Curtis is an amazing guy. Clearly. He is running across one of the biggest countries in the world to raise money and awareness for a hospital that helps sick children. But he is so much more than that.
It's his drive and determination to do the incredible things he does - like running from eastern Alberta to the west coast of B.C. and raising $50,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation at just 18-years-old, or the 24-hour floor hockey tournament fundraiser he organized and took part in while still in high school.
What makes this young man even more special is that he has so far built himself through his actions rather than his words. And from those actions. it's apparent Curtis carries himself with a kind and caring soul.
I saw and spoke with Curtis for the first time since our high school days during his visit to our hometown on Sept. 21 – one of the scheduled stops along his run across Canada.
Before we spoke, Curtis spent time modestly dismissing the notion he was a hero and instead called all those looking up to him the “real heroes” for supporting the cause in any way they can. And when it came time to meet those “real heroes” in person, Curtis had all the time in the world to sign autographs, give hugs and pose for photos.
He's the type of person you can always look up to, but will never look down on you.
When we spoke, he was sincere and honest, and was completely dedicated to what he had set out to achieve, though not for popularity or personal gain. He does what he does to help others in need.
And though he claims not to be a hero, there is no doubt Curtis is an inspiration to many and a great friend of this world. Because by taking positive action to help others, he has inspired others to take positive action themselves, and the chain reaction can only make this world a better place.
