A series of health scares led to a resolution to change her physical health for the better

Toni Muldoe is from Gitanmaax, near Hazelton in northwestern BC. Her mother is from the Frog Clan and her father from the Fireweed Clan. She is sharing her story to inspire others during the FNHA's 30x30 Active Challenge for the month of June.

Some might say it was a 2024 New Year resolution that kickstarted Toni Muldoe's physical wellness journey, culminating in completing the Vancouver Sun Run later that year with pride and happiness. However, like all of us, Toni's wellness journey stretches back over a lifetime.

“My health and wellness journey began about 30 years ago," says Toni. “My mental health was going downhill and started to deteriorate because I did not have time for myself. I attempted to take action by walking, but the more I walked the more aches and pains I felt and was experiencing."

Seeking help was confusing. She asked her doctor how to eliminate the aches and pains from walking, but the doctor said she was overweight and if she kept walking, the aches and pains would go away.

“I tried to lose weight, but it wasn't helping, and I still was suffering with the pain," she says.

That's when the pills started. To deal with the aches and pains, Toni began taking pain relief pills every day to cope, a routine that took a heavy toll on her stomach. This led to the first of several frightening health revelations.

“In 2016 I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. In 2017, they removed half of my stomach and the stomach cancer, but that in-turn created more problems as I was not able to digest food with high sugar or heavy fats such as foods like ice cream bread, and I am someone who absolutely loves food and so that felt like torture enough."

The digestion problems led to more weight gain and more pain. But with stomach cancer, Toni was unable to continue taking any pain medication. Her doctor sent her to a specialist who discovered she had a spinal problem that required surgery. 

Although the back surgery in December 2023 was a success, she was hospitalized a month later due to an infection where the surgical incision had been made. After a month in hospital, she felt weaker than ever, her mobility was limited, and she had difficulty even getting out of bed, doing household chores or holding her newborn grandchild.

“In January 2024, is when I said enough is enough and that is when I started my New Year's resolutions and kick started my wellness journey," says Toni.

Starting with just 10 minutes a day walking on a treadmill and monitoring her eating habits, Toni began rebuilding her strength. Her goal was to complete the Vancouver Sun Run, which she had done 15 years prior.

Through the Indigenous Sport Physical Activity Recreation Council (I-SPARC) Indigenous Run, Walk, Wheel 13-week program, Toni built up her strength, stamina and was able to do the 10km Sun Run.

“Because of my health challenges I have always had to keep moving," says Toni. “I always pushed myself because I see my kids watching me, I see my family watching me and so I have always pushed myself to be a stronger person."

Sharing her story is important, says Toni, because she knows how much motivation from others helped her in her own wellness journey.

“Once you get started and give people that motivation and support to do the same, it can make such a difference."

Join FNHA's 30x30 Active Challenge and maybe next year you can share your own story as a Wellness Champion!