Hundreds of thousands of people across Canada are expected to participate in the annual Terry Fox Run on Sept. 17.
The fundraising event takes place in over 700 communities nation-wide that continue to embody the indomitable spirit of Terry Fox.
“In a year where we have enjoyed celebrating our country’s 150th birthday, it’s been great to hear so many Canadians say that participating in the Terry Fox Run in an important part of the celebration,” Terry’s older brother Fred Fox stated in a press release.
Terry was just 18 when he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his right leg. He was in his first year at Simon Fraser University studying kinesiology when he felt pain in his knee.
He had his leg amputated six inches above the knee and endured aggressive chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells. During his treatment, he witnessed daily reminders that two-thirds of cancer victims died of the disease.
Instead of crushing his spirits, the sight of other patients suffering made him stronger and more compassionate.
It was from this strength and compassion that the Marathon of Hope was born.
Since Terry ran in 1980, Canadians have raised over $750 million for cancer research. This money is invested into projects with the greatest potential impact for patients.
On Sept. 17, hundreds of thousands of Terry Fox supporters, family and friends, will participate in a favourite fall tradition to ensure that cancer research continues to make a difference.
From coast to coast to coast, Canadians will be celebrating the power of the human spirit.
Terry Fox Runs in the Wellington County area will include:
– Arthur: Optimist Pavillion at the Arthur fairgrounds. Registration 12:30pm; 4km route open from 1 to 4pm. Contact organizer Cliff Heffernan at heffcli@eastlink.ca for more information.
– Drayton: Drayton fairgrounds. Three route lengths 2km, 5km and 10km. Registration from 12:30 to 1:25pm; start time at 1:30pm.Contact organizer Melissa Gleeson at melissa@gleesonelectric.ca or 519-500-4542.
– Erin: Centre 2000. Registration at 8:30am; 5km route open from 9am to 12:30pm. Contact Erik Mathisen at mensaerik@rogers.com or 519-833-1289 for more information.
– Fergus: Forfar Park. Registration opens at 9am; start time 10am. Route is 10 km course along the Cataract Trail with multiple turn around points for participants to go whatever distance they wish. Contact Chris Mulligan at info@cwterryfoxrun.com for more information.
– Grand Valley: Grand Valley Community Centre. Registration at 9am; start time at 10am. Three route lengths: 3km, 5km and 10km. Contact Kim Davidson at jkdbdavi@hotmail.com or 519-928-2973 for more information.
– Guelph: Silvercreek Park. Registration 7:30am; open from 8am to 12pm. The route is 10km. For more information contact David Picard at dgp@frontlinesafety.ca or 519-831-2357.
– Mount Forest: Mount Forest Lawn Bowling Club. Registration at 9am; 5km route open from 9am to 1:30pm. Contact Bill Dineen at dineen3161@gmail.com or 519-323-3161.
– Palmerston: Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum. Registration at 8am; open from 8am to 2pm. Four route lengths: 1km, 2km, 5km and 10km. Contact Kim Williamson at williamsons_kt@hotmail.com or 519-343-3129 for more details.
– Rockwood: Waterside Park. The 5km or 10km route is open from 12 to 2pm. Contact Steve Thomson at ssthomson@yahoo.com or 519-856-2402 for more information.
