A hallmark Canadian celebration to raise awareness and funds for cancer research every September since 1981 will be taking over the Lakeland region in a few days.
The 42nd annual Terry Fox Run dedicated to finding a cure for cancer will be returning in full swing this weekend for community members, and throughout the week for participating schools in the region.
“It's really a good time to get together for walking, running and wheeling for a great cause,” said Tina Skakun, one of the organizers for the Lac La Biche run, taking place this Sunday.
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to come to join the walk that is continuing Terry Fox’s legacy, she explained. While all donations and pledges gathered are going towards cancer research, the fundraiser is hoping to see many faces participate in the 5-10 km track.
“I'm a person that supports people coming out, whether they are donors or not… the goal is to raise funds for the fundraiser but if people want to come and just participate, I'm OK with that too. The more the merrier,” said Skakun.
While community donations are still rolling in and not many people have signed up for the run that will begin at McArthur Place in Lac La Biche, she says community members turn up for the run every year making the event successful.
“We usually have a really good turnout with people that love to register the day of. So sometimes pre-registrations are quiet, but we have a really good solid group of individuals that always have.”
Throughout the pandemic, local organizers were still able to host the run through virtual and in-person methods.
Personal reasons
Skakun says the cause hits close to home considering she is Stage 4B cancer survivor herself.
“I was diagnosed in 2016 with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and I was in Stage 4B, so the worst you can get,” she explains. After 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation, today she is cancer free.
“I have come out well and completely in remission since the end of 2016. I have been very fortunate to be very healthy since then.”
But for the many who are impacted by cancer, or have passed away, including many in Skakun’s own family, supporting the Terry Fox Foundation is an opportunity to support research and commemorate the lives lost, she said.
“It's a great way, honestly, for me to remember them, honour them and cherish them as well while I run.”
The run in Lac La Biche will begin with registration at noon on Sept. 18 and the run starting at 1 p.m.
Bicycles, leashed dogs, rollerblades and all physical accommodations are welcome along the route.
Donations can be made online and in-person on Sept. 18, and will support the Terry fox Foundation. To date the organization has raised over $800 million, surpassing Terry Fox’s $ 1 million goal in 1980.
