Drayton’s Terry Fox Run organizers met recently to plan this year’s event.
Scheduled for the afternoon of Sept. 14 in conjunction with runs held across the country, the 2014 run will mark the 34th annual Marathon of Hope to raise funds for cancer research.
Those who enjoy getting together with family, friends and neighbours, who want to feel good about doing something that can really make a difference, and are able to walk, jog, run, roller blade or ride a bike, are encouraged to come to the local event, which starts at the old arena at the fairgrounds.
Registration occurs between noon and 1:25pm, with the “Grand Send Off” at 1:30pm. Participants have the choice of a two kilometre mini-route through town, or a 10km scenic country route.
During registration, a host of fun activities are planned, including live music and face painting. Barbecued food and ice cream will be available for purchase before and after the run.
Pledge sheets will be available for pickup at businesses in Drayton and Moorefield early in August, or can be downloaded by going to terryfox.org. Pledges can also be collected online by following the easy step-by-step directions on the foundation’s website.
Participants are also encouraged to check out the new 2014 Terry Fox T-shirt, which will soon be available for purchase at Blooming Dale’s in a variety of adult and youth sizes. This year’s shirt is navy and Sports a determined Terry Fox in mid stride, along with a portion of Terry’s journal in his own writing, outlining that first momentous day as he began his cross country run to help stop the suffering of cancer patients. All proceeds from shirt sales go towards cancer research.
There are many other walks and runs to help raise funds for various charities, but the Terry Fox Run is the original, with the largest percentage of funds raised going directly to cancer research.
Organizers are proud to report that Drayton’s Terry Fox Run regularly ranks among the top runs in the province for revenue per capita, and is the top run for overall revenue in Wellington County, other than the City of Guelph.
One need only look at the planning committee for this event to realize cancer research is saving lives. Half of the group is made up of cancer survivors, while the other half includes those with family members who have battled the disease. Indeed, Drayton’s Terry Fox Run honours cancer survivors and their friends and families who would like to join the battle and help end the suffering of others.
Perhaps Terry summed it up best when he said, “It took cancer to make me realize that being self-centred is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.”
And when he was unable to complete his epic journey because his cancer returned, he pleaded, “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.”
Drayton organizers urge, “Let’s work together to outrun, out-walk and out-bike cancer on Sept. 14.”
For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer, contact Louise Ellis at 519-638-2120.
