MEET THE AMBASSADORS

Sports and fitness were always a part of David’s life but took on a greater meaning in November 2012 when he was diagnosed with an incurable form of Vasculitis called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener’s Granulomatosis.

 

It is a rare incurable disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks itself through systemic inflammation of the body’s blood vessels, leading to damage of major organs and can potentially be fatal if not treated promptly.

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At the time he remembers saying, “I don’t know what my life is going to look like after this but I’m going to do everything in my power to beat this and get strong enough that when I do beat it, I’ll be ready for it if I ever relapse.”

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“The symptoms and treatment were brutal but as I entered remission and began building myself back up, I focused on what I could control and made fitness a central pillar in my life. Running is my favorite activity but I also love to ride my bike, cross-country ski, strength train, play hockey and golf. I enjoy the freedom and simplicity that running offers, along with the opportunity to improve my mental health, make new friends and be part of a community that shares the same passion. When I experienced my first GPA relapse in March 2024, it was tough but I felt far more resilient going through treatment this time around and I owe much of that to my dedication to fitness over the past decade.”

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“My goal is to inspire others to embrace whatever adversity they are facing in their life and view it as a gift or an opportunity to grow into tougher, more resilient people.”

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Welcome to the RTF Ambassador Team Dave! 

"Hey! My name is Hannah and I'm a police officer in New Brunswick.

 

I have always been very active within the community, volunteering my last 6 years as a firefighter! In my spare time, I enjoy spending my spare time doing CrossFit, hiking, adventuring and working on a dairy farm!"

Dani joins us from Ontario's West Region!

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"I enjoy weight training and running outdoors. I use fitness for my mental and physical health, while also ensuring I am fit for duty. 

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I love the message that RTF promotes, using fitness as a tool to develop resiliency. Mental and physical health and wellness are important parts of day to day life, but especially for first responders."

"My names Ryan,

 

I’m a First responder (paramedic) who enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting/fishing and hiking. I also enjoy jujitsu and working out.

 

Being a paramedic I struggle to find time enough to balance all the things that I like to do, usually because work has left me tired and out of shape.

RTF held me accountable and has helped me find balance between a demanding work schedule and getting back to my favourite activities.

 

RTF has helped improve my physical fitness which has improved not just my performance but because I am fitter I have more energy to get out and do the things I love."

Proudly Nova Scotian, Matthias currently works as Communications Technician for several municipal police services. He has also volunteered with a local Fire Department for over 8 years. 

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He's always had a passion for physical fitness growing up, from weightlifting, gymnastics to judo.

 

As Matthias got older, his body started getting sore and hurt, causing him to lose his interest in weight lifting. The silver lining was that he developed a passion for cycling, biking all year round now! 

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He enjoys riding outside as it brings him a sense of peace and freedom while being outside in nature. He tracks his progress and PRs through Strava and keeps his competitive nature up by challenging himself to add more crowns to his Strava collection!

Serving our communities takes a team of dedicated sworn and civilian members working tirelessly daily to achieve the common goal. 

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Amber joins us from Nova Scotia, starting her fitness journey with weightlifting and running as she prepared for a new career in law enforcement. 

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Recognizing that fitness is a key component required to be a first responder, she began preparing herself for duty, training both her body and mind. 

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She soon realized that strength training has a powerful building affect on both the body and mind. 

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Welcome to the team Amber!