“If you've given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope.”
Those are the words of a man who is known to many as one of the most inspirational Canadian icons – Terry Fox.
For 36 years, hundreds of thousands of people across the country have been living by those words and doing their part to continue his legacy. This year is no different.
On Sept. 18, over 800 communities nationwide will participate in the annual Terry Fox Run to help raise funds for cancer research. In Bonnyville, organizers are hoping to see continued growth for the local event that has been ongoing for over two decades.
“Last year we were really impressed. We had over 70 participants and raised almost $4,000, which was more than we've gotten in previous years,” said Evelyn Campeau, who has been organizing the run in town for close to 20 years. “It's really gratifying to see that. Cancer touches everyone, and Terry Fox has left a legacy so that even generations to come will know who he is.”
It was over three decades ago, on Sept. 1, 1980, when the amputee and cancer fighter dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic off the coast of St. John's, NL – starting his Marathon of Hope. Running more than 5,300 kilometres over 143 days and through six provinces, Terry Fox stopped his journey outside of Thunder Bay, ON after cancer spread to his lungs.
On Sept. 13, 1981, just a year later, the first Terry Fox Run is held in honour of the inspiring Canadian. More than 760 runs across the country, and world, attracted 300,000 participants.
For Campeau, the run has a special meaning. In 1995, she lost her son to the same type of cancer that took Terry Fox; he was just 18-years-old at the time.
“That's why we get involved. It's really in memory of him. His story was very similar to Terry Fox's in terms of his illness, so we kind of have a connection.”
To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has donated over $700 million to cancer research. Each year, millions run in over 9,000 communities across Canada raising money for the cause.
Of every dollar raised, 84 cents goes towards finding a cure.
The goal for this year's local run, Campeau noted, is to surpass the $4,000 mark and have at least 75 to 100 people. Ultimately, she would like the residents to meet the Terry Fox Foundation's challenge of raising $1 for every resident in the community.
The Bonnyville Terry Fox Run is following its traditional route, starting at Slawuta Pond (across from Notre Dame High School) and following the path around the lake. Registration is at 12:30 p.m., with the run kicking off at 1 p.m.
Participants are welcome to run, walk, bike or rollerblade the route, and finishing the entire path isn't required. Pledge forms can be found online at www.terryfox.org and submitted online, or dropped of the day-of.
“The more people that come out, and the more money we raise, the better,” said Campeau, adding that she would like to see the Terry Fox Run continue for many years to come but is looking for some new faces to take over the organization of it.
“Some communities have let it go and I'd hate to see that happen… It's a really good cause and it brings the community together.”
