Hundreds walk in Coaldale to help end childhood cancer

Sunny South News Photo by Kristine Jean. GOLDEN STRIDES WALK: Childhood cancer survivor, Melissa Dube, right, stands with her father, Coaldale Kinsmen Joe Michielsen, prior to the Golden Strides Walk on Saturday.

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

More than 600 people gathered for the second annual Golden Strides Walk: Steps to End Childhood Cancer on Saturday, Sept, 19, raising more than $100,000.    

Golden Strides Walk is an annual three-kilometre community walk in Coaldale that raises funds to support childhood cancer initiatives through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The event was created by Tristin and Peter Mercer in memory of their daughter, Kinley, who died from cancer at just seven months old in 2022.

“Standing there today and seeing more than 600 people walking together, knowing this community has helped us raise more than $100,000, was pretty incredible,” said Tristin Mercer, founder of Golden Strides. “Every person who walked, donated, volunteered or helped spread the word played a part in getting us to this point,” she added. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support this community continues to show for kids with cancer.”

The annual event brings families, businesses, community organizations and supporters from across the region, including many from Calgary, Lethbridge and across Lethbridge County – to walk, fundraise and come together for a cause that affects many families.

One of them was 38-year-old Melissa Dube, daughter of longtime Coaldale Kinsmen Joe Michielsen and his wife Bernadette. 

Dube was diagnosed with Acute (Lymfhoocytic) Lymphocytic Leukemia at just two-and-a-half-years old. She grew up in Coaldale and now lives with her husband in Leduc.  

As a childhood cancer survivor, she said participating in the Golden Strides Walk was especially meaningful for her. 

“It means a heck of a lot. I went through a lot as a child and to know how far they’ve come with treatment and care – the Alberta Children’s Hospital did a lot for me to say the least,” said Dube. “It’s nice to give support back. There’s a lot of support here and it’s great that it’s growing every year,” she added. “It’s so nice to have a sense of community that supports everybody through these difficult times.” 

Dube has been in remission, following a bone marrow transplant just before her fifth birthday, and remains cancer-free today. 

Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn, a longtime Coaldale Kinsmen, shared a bit of Melissa’s story in his remarks Saturday, and noted the important impact that Golden Strides Walk has for families in Alberta. 

“When you hear a story like Melissa’s, you realize what childhood cancer research, treatment, donors and medical advances actually mean. They mean giving a two-and-a-half-year-old little girl the opportunity to grow up,” said Van Rijn, noting that not every family gets that outcome. “That is why Golden Strides matters so much. We may not be able to take that burden away, but we can make sure those families know they are not facing it alone.” 

The Coaldale Kinsmen Club was the title sponsor for this year’s event and recently contributed a significant, five-figure donation to Golden Strides Walk.   

“It’s about standing beside families. It’s about remembering children like Kinley. It’s about celebrating survivors like Melissa, and it’s about doing whatever we can to give more children the opportunity to grow up and live the lives they deserve,” said Van Rijn. 

Funds raised through Golden Strides supports childhood cancer initiatives through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, helping advance research, treatment and care for children facing cancer.

First-time participant Eleanor Pittman from Lethbridge County was there with family including her husband, Jim.  

“We’ve known friends with children who’ve passed away with cancer, so it’s definitely a good cause,” said Pittman. “What a great place to bring your kids. When they ask what (the walk) is for, it’s a good teaching tool. It’s a beautiful way to talk to kids about it.” 

Scott Ries from the City of Lethbridge, was participating in his second Golden Strides Walk on Saturday. 

“I don’t have any family members directly affected by childhood cancer, but I think it’s important to support the cause,” said Ries. “I think it really builds a strong sense of community that everyone gets together to do this.” 

The event has grown significantly since its inaugural year in 2025, when more than 500 people participated and over $75,000 was raised. This year’s walk was followed by a family-focused celebration featuring local vendors, activities and music.

Golden Strides is organized by a local volunteer committee and presented by the Kinsmen Club of Coaldale. The event will return in 2027, continuing its goal of bringing the community together to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.