In the middle of the mass collection of runners on Sunday morning at the start line for the 10K during the Saskatchewan Marathon, two individuals will stand quietly together – with a remarkable bond.
This is the special story of two complete strangers who were brought together two years ago because of running – and now, 24 months later – have given each other a very important gift.
Laureen DeBusschere made a call for help two years ago. She was watching her 24-year-old autistic nephew Jon Anderson suffer after the loss of his two grandparents and a change in his living conditions. “We know Jon handles his anxiety by running long and short distances,” remembered Laureen. “He had (also) just made the move from his foster mother’s home to a group home in Swift Current. All of this happened within a year and was very traumatic for Jon… we knew he needed a running option.”
So, Laureen made a call for help – a lifeline, of sorts – to Kim Ali, the main organizer of the Saskatchewan Marathon, to see if there was a mentor who could run with Jon.
“Brian (Michasiw, the owner of Brainsport), answered the call. What a miracle,” exclaimed Laureen. A training program was developed and Jon began to train in Swift Current so that he could run with Brian during the 10K at the Saskatchewan Marathon.
Fast forward two years – and the pair will run together on Sunday for the third consecutive year on Marathon weekend. “Brian has become part of (the) family,” continued Laureen. “Whenever Jon sees Brian, his world lights-up even more than usual. Brian is kind, gentle and a safe place for Jon. Brian helps calm and focus Jon in running a longer distance than he would do on his own. Jon is always up for a run with Brian and as kind as Brian is, he always lets Jon run over the finish line first.”
And while Brian has helped give Jon and his family the special gift of happiness on this running journey, Jon has also given something important to Brian.
“Years ago my focus when I ran the Sask Marathon was very specific – either to run a personal best or to win,” said Brian, who won the Sask Marathon six times. “While rewarding, it was a bit selfish and not always fun. It was a lot of pressure. But, running with Jon is always fun and rewarding. He loves running and his enthusiasm is contagious. I love running with Jon and it has become one of the highlights of my life.”
