Hi, I'm Jax.
I run for
people who can't.
28 years old. Pembroke-born, Winnipeg-raised. Father, adventurer, storyteller. I ran 7,000 km east to west, from St. John's, Newfoundland to Port Coquitlam, BC, finishing at Terry Fox's resting place. Slept in a 1985 VW Vanagon, livestreamed every step, and raised $100,000+ for cancer research along the road. None of it happened alone. The community that showed up, watched, donated, and shared my story is the real engine behind every number on this site.
My Story
I'm Jackson Charron-Okerlund. Most people just call me Jax. Born in Pembroke, Ontario, raised in Winnipeg, and still calling it home.
Before any of the running, I worked in therapeutic recreation with older adults. I spent my days with people in their 90s and 100s, watching whole generations of family fill a room on a birthday. It taught me what a long life actually looks like, and how much further some people deserve to get.
Terry Fox was one of the first names I ever knew. Growing up Canadian, his story is the floor everything else gets built on. So in 2023 I laced up in St. John's, Newfoundland and ran west, 7,000 kilometres across the country, finishing at Terry's resting place in Port Coquitlam, BC.
For the first 40 days I pushed a baby stroller with my tent and gear and slept wherever the road let me. After that, a 1985 VW Vanagon became home for the rest of the run. The whole journey was livestreamed on TikTok, shared along the way on Instagram and Facebook, and picked up by local and national news. Strangers turned into a community, donating, sharing, and meeting me on highway shoulders. They're the reason that number kept climbing.
7,000 km · 160 days · $100,000+ for cancer research.I'm the 16th human to ever cross Canada on foot.
After the run, I wrote a book about it. Self-published, picked up the printed copies in person, packed a minivan, and drove across the country a second time. 50 cities in 65 days, selling 1,000 books and raising another $6,070 for cancer patients. Every signed copy moved because someone in that town showed up.
After the book tour, I became a public speaker for the Terry Fox Foundation. The 2024 New Brunswick ambassador, and today a national guest speaker. Over 5,000 students have heard the story in person so far.
Also after the book tour, I ran the length of Prince Edward Island. 280 km in 65 hours, no sleep, becoming only the second human on record to do it.
My son was born July 17, 2024. He's the reason the next chapter looks the way it does.
Highlights
The Crew
None of the big stuff happens without the crew! My son, my partner, and the '83 VW Vanagon. Come along for the ride!
Full-time dad first. He's the reason every future plan has a different shape, and a better one.
My beautiful, radiant earth goddess. I love her so much.
Old engine, big heart. Replaced my 1985 Vanagon, which burned down after the cross-Canada run.
SIGN THE WALL
Say hi · drop encouragement · tell me where you're reading from
- Micheline Hart ❤️ from North Bay ON 🇨🇦7/4/2026
Truly thankful for meeting you. Because of you and the amazing journey you had, I was able to make wonderful new friends. You are a true inspiration and I only wish you, Carly and Easton all the love and happiness you deserve xo
- Maple Davefrom Moncton, NB6/30/2026
Awesome website! Cannot wait to see what you do next. Was awesome meeting you along the cross canada journey, and then a great experience helping you for 30+ hrs of the PEI Journey! Maybe I can help you on the next adventure! Roadside tailgate breakfast sandwiches along the way!!! Best of luck in everything that you do!! Maple Dave
- Lisafrom Kingston ON6/30/2026
Let's Go! I love seeing your journey. Easton is a cutiepatootie🥰 Wishing you all the best!
- Brendakennedycampbellfrom Cambridge6/30/2026
Can't wait to see where your journey goes from here .so happy for you and your little family wishing you all a happy new journey . Brenda kennedy campbell
- Kimbitfrom Havre Boucher NS6/29/2026
Can’t wait to see where else in the world life takes you. We’ll always be cheering you on and supporting you every step of the way. Love always, Kim, Jesa, Eris, Barrett & Neil
- Pattyfrom Cape Breton6/29/2026
Looking forward to your future adventures. Let’s gooooo
- Rhonda Barefoot Mercerfrom St. John’s NL6/29/2026
Hey Jax welcome back
- Valerfrom London,ontario6/29/2026
Keep being you jax you deserve all the happiness
- Mandaxofrom Ontario 6/29/2026
Wishing you nothing but the best!! Lilly says hi! “Jaaaackson here” website looks great
- Alesha from Alberta Canada lethbrige 6/29/2026
Thank you for everything you do and all the love you inspired
- Paul-Dfrom Scarborough, Ontario 6/26/2026
Keep up the awesome work
- Terri in the Bayfrom Thunder bay6/26/2026
I wish you and your family Health Happiness and Love
- BRENT WOODS from Sault ste marie 6/26/2026
Your are inspiring
- Jamesfrom Winnipeg6/2/2026
SHIT MEEEE Website lookin sick
Got an event? Let's talk.
School assembly, fundraiser, corporate audience. I tell the real story of what it took to run across Canada, and what anyone in the room can do with the same engine.