Activist writes account of ‘fire under foot’

The story of an Ontario woman’s trek across Canada to raise awareness of pro-life efforts will soon be available in book form.

Therese Weiler, who walked from Newfoundland to British Columbia between April 1992 and August 1993, is eager to share her story with pro-life supporters throughout the country. Weiler’s story, tentatively titled Fire Under Foot, will be published jointly by Campaign Life Coalition and the Business for Life organization. The book is expected to be ready for distribution in late 1999.

Business for Life provided the financial backing for the walk, including a trusty motorhome that followed Weiler along the way.

Fire Under Foot recounts Weiler’s experiences, struggles, accomplishments, and surprises during the 5,000-kilometre pro-life journey. Weiler endured thousands of lonely miles along Canadian backroads, yet always had time to speak to reporters, pro-life workers, church groups, and community organizations.

In a highly personal account, Weiler juxtaposes the separation from family and friends with the unexpected joys she encountered during the walk. Six years after the completion of the walk, Weiler is still amazed by the support and encouragement she received from ordinary Canadians she met on her travels. She continues to receive invitations to speak about the experience.

“It would be hard to say what the single biggest memory of the walk would be, except for the tremendous co-operation I was shown throughout,” Weiler told The Interim. “People continually opened their doors to me in every province.”

Written in diary form, the book offers candid details about the “spiritual warfare” Weiler encountered during the walk. She discusses how prayer and sacrifice helped keep her focused on her main objective, and overcame negative forces seeking to undermine the effort.

Weiler, a long-time pro-life volunteer, said the walk was intended primarily to raise awareness about pro-life issues and about the struggles faced by ordinary right-to-life organizations. Although it was not designed as a fund-raising vehicle, a number of people Weiler met on the road spontaneously offered cash donations in support of the cause.

“I was impressed by the work and the struggles of ordinary pro-life people coast to coast,” Weiler said.

“They were doing this important work day after day, while I undertook this one-time project. I see the walk and the upcoming book as an opportunity to motivate these people and confirm them in their pro-life work.”