Denise Hepburn, 2017 Invictus Games medalist, will be the guest speaker at a fundraising event on March 22nd for the United Way City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL).
Denise is a retired master corporal who worked as a combat medic for 13 years, including a tour in Afghanistan.
During a 2010 military exercise in Ontario, she was seriously injured while jumping from a helicopter into the Bay of Quinte.
She suffered a fracture of the C2 vertebra in her neck, considered one of the most severe spinal cord injuries and one that only five per cent of people survive.
Through determination and hard work, Denise made an incredible comeback from her injury, leading her to compete in the 2017 Invictus Games in swimming, indoor rowing, and sitting volleyball. She won four bronze medals in swimming.
Denise has since appeared on The Marilyn Dennis Show and Global News where she shared her experiences.
“We are so honoured to have Denise Hepburn, a Canadian hero, join us to share some of her journey,” says Duncan Gallacher, board president of United Way COKL.
Hepburn will be speaking at the organization’s 50th anniversary Community Champions Touchdown Dinner, held on Thursday, March 22nd at Celebrations Lindsay (35 Lindsay St. N. – the old Queen Street United Church).
Cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. with a seated buffet dinner at 6 p.m.. There will also be a silent and live auction.
Tickets are $50 per person or $350 for a table of eight, and are available at the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes office at 50 Mary Street West or by calling 705-878-5081.
