After local resident Evelyn Campeau's son lost his battle to osteogenic sarcoma, the same cancer that Terry Fox had, when he was 18-years-old, she became involved in the local Terry Fox Run in her son's honour.
"Terry Fox was a real rolemodel for a lot of Canadians, and he was very inspirational. I figure if he can run a marathon a day on one leg, I think people should be able to come and walk a kilometre or two," she said.
Residents collect pledges that go toward cancer research. They run, walk, or ride in honour of Terry Fox and others who have lost their lives to the disease.
Since the event came to Bonnyville in 1983, local participants have raised over $100,000.
"When it first started, the schools weren't doing it, but now, the schools have their own towards the end of September... We consistently have, on a nice year, between 50 and 75 people come out to walk, rollerblade, or whatever. We'd like to see more, but we have the same people who tend to come out every year and sometimes some newcomers," Campeau explained.
Participants are already gearing up for the Terry Fox Run on Sunday, Sept. 15. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. with the race starting at 1 p.m. Participants will leave Slawuta Pond, across the street for Notre Dame High School (NDHS), and make their way around Jessie Lake.
"Usually we follow the trail, but I understand it's underwater. We asked people last year, and this year, just to go as far as they wish and then to turn back. That seems to work quite well... Some people go down to where the Splash Park is, and then come back," Campeau explained.
This year, Campeau said they're hoping to raise at least $2,500. They fell a little short of their goal last year due to poor weather.
"We had the worst year for weather, it was rainy and very cold," she recalled. "It was a little disappointing when it came to the turnout for the run, but we still raised about $1,700... (The Terry Fox Foundation) like to tell you that you should raise a dollar for everybody in your community, but last year was an anomaly because of how miserable it was."
With over 20 years under her belt, Campeau would like to pass the event onto someone else who would be interested in organizing in the future.
"I'm looking to retire, so I'm currently looking for a younger person to come take it over. I love it, but I've done it for so many years, it would just be nice to get some younger people involved."
Those interested in getting involved can register online at terryfox.org, or contact Campeau at [email protected] for a pledge form.
