our story

The Story of Kendra &

the Creation of Kendra's Walk

Kendra

Kendra McBain, at age fifteen, was just like any other high school student. She loved horseback riding, teaching swimming lessons, and being with her friends. She was as immortal as any teen, discovering her passion for life, thinking about boys, and dreaming of the future.

However, in 2006 her life changed drastically. Kendra was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. With optimism, grace, and compassion for those around her, Kendra waged a lengthy battle, enduring endless treatments that seemed worse than the illness itself. After battling courageously, Kendra passed away in December 2009, at the age of 18.

Kendra was an extraordinary young person - intelligent, loving, funny, generous, engaging, and courageous beyond her years. The memory of her indomitable spirit continues to inspire us.

Graham

At fourteen years old, Graham McBain took on the most important role of his young life - supporting his sister through her daily battles with cancer. After the tragic passing of his sister, Graham and the rest of his family were ready to carry on his sister’s dream.

Graham learned that even when faced with the toughest of challenges, there is nothing that an individual cannot achieve with the support of a community. He feels that being a part of Kendra’s Walk is a privilege, and any individual that decides to participate in the event will feel a strong sense of meaning, community and pride, working together for a great cause.

kendra's mission

During her years with cancer, Kendra received excellent care, but she noticed something was lacking: a quiet, comfortable space designed specifically for teens with cancer. She took it upon herself to create this special place just for teens at CancerCare Manitoba. Her dream was to design a room that would be a welcoming retreat to someone who was not a child, but also not yet an adult.

While still undergoing treatments, Kendra organized the inaugural Kendra’s Walk fundraiser, which took place at St. John’s-Ravenscourt School on May 29th, 2009. In its first year alone, the walk raised over $160,000. This was enough to finance a teenager’s room at CancerCare Manitoba, and to initiate a trust fund that continues to raise money in support of cancer research and other needs for teens living with cancer.

Kendra’s mission was to make her walk an annual event that continues to support teens with cancer. To date, Kendra’s Walk has raised over $1,000,000.

Kendra’s Walk 2023 will take place at 1:15 pm on Friday, June 16th, at SJR.