The teenaged version of Shantelle Harris might never have seen herself standing in front of audiences talking about her life, or helping to organize a big, successful event. But tragedy can do strange things to your plans.
The ‘today’ version of Shantelle does those things and more. As a Threads of Life volunteer, she is stepping up to be the 2026 national spokesperson for Steps for Life-Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy. Being part of Steps for Life is one of the key ways Threads of Life’s members, volunteers and partners drive the health and safety mission forward. The walk creates awareness, and also raises funds to support families like Shantelle’s.
Steps for Life is the flagship fundraiser for the Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support (known as Threads of Life). The annual walk supports those affected by work-related tragedies, and increases awareness about the importance of health and safety on the job. It’s also one of the key ways new families learn about the support available through Threads of Life.
Shantelle’s dad died very suddenly of an occupational illness when she was just 16. He worked in the tube-bending department for a company that manufactured boilers, and was exposed to benzene. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, and died later the same day.
You can learn more of Shantelle’s story through this year’s national spokesperson video.
“My journey with Steps for Life started with being a family member and attending a Threads of Life family forum,” Shantelle says. “After that I volunteered as a speaker for Threads of LIfe, sharing my dad’s story with others. I started volunteering with Steps for Life after a few years attending the event as a participant and a family spokesperson.”
Today, Shantelle is co-chair for Steps for Life in Kitchener-Waterloo, her home community.
“Steps for Life has given me and my children a way to honour my dad who they didn't get to meet,” Shantelle adds. “Workplace tragedy can happen to anyone and participating in Steps for Life can be a great way to show your loved ones that you are an advocate for safety in the workplace.”
Steps for Life walks take place in communities across Canada every spring. This year there are 36 in-person walks, most on the weekend of May 2 and 3. Individuals can register to walk, or make a donation to a walker or team at the event website, www.stepsforlife.ca.