The largest fundraising event in support of cancer research across the world is back. Locals are getting ready to tie up their shoelaces for the annual Terry Fox Run.
Now in its 41st year, the run returns to Campbell River this coming Sunday, Sept. 19th with the motto, “One Day. Your Way.” But just like last year, it will be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve been working really hard to still make sure people are participating,” says organizer Tanya Flood. “We’re hoping that people will go out into their own neighbourhoods with their families, their friends, and their own personal bubbles and participate in any way that they can.”
Tanya together with her husband Chris Flood are the organizers for the Campbell River run. She says they’ve held the role for the past ten years. But cancer impacting them personally is what first inspired the couple to get involved.
“For us, my husband’s mom had lung cancer. She passed away at quite an early age. We’ve seen it happen in his family, we’ve seen it happen in my family,” Tanya says.
“We understand the critical importance of the research that’s going on and the huge difference it can make in survival rates. The survival rates have increased hugely over the past 20 years as a result of a lot of this research.”
She continues, “We’ve participated in the Terry Fox Run for over 25 years ourselves. I know there’s a lot of Campbell River locals who have been doing this for the full 41 years. And it’s just this deep belief in the difference that this cancer research can make for people.”
According to Tanya, over $17,000 was raised locally in 2020. That said, this year they’re hoping to knock that total out of the ballpark. “We’re hoping that all of our wonderful Campbell River community will come out and support the Terry Fox Run,” Tanya says.
And it’s all because of the “huge difference” the annual run actually makes. As Tanya puts it, the funds raised go directly back into the local community, helping those impacted and struggling with cancer.
To register for the 2021 Terry Fox Run and to pledge online, visit this website.
But the movement extends far beyond Campbell River. “Each community has a different organizer,” Tanya explains. “This is happening all across Canada, and it’s actually happening across the world as well. We have Terry Fox events happening on the same day in over 30 different countries. It’s just an amazing undertaking.”
Tanya’s also inviting Campbell Rivierites to Frank James Park this Sunday. Between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm, organizers will be on-site collecting donations in a COVID-safe fashion. “We’ll also have some t-shirt merchandise available,” she adds.
