Cancer research has come a long way thanks to Canadian hero Terry Fox and everyone who follows in his footsteps each year.
It’s personal for many, including Tanya and Chris Flood, who are helping organize Campbell River’s September 17 Terry Fox Run.
“Both Chris and I have had experiences with cancer within our families and it really has a close place in our hearts. Chris has lost his mom early on,” Tanya says. “We really felt it was an important cause to be a part of. Ourselves, we’ve been participating in the Terry Fox Run for probably over 30 years at this point.”
She says she and her husband stepped into the role of organizers about 10 years ago, and every year they are impressed by Campbell River’s great group of volunteers helping put on the event, including some who have participated since Terry started running in 1980. The event challenges participants to run, bike, or walk five kilometres to raise money for cancer research.
Annual runs across Canada and even in other countries have raised three-quarters of a billion dollars for cancer research.
When Terry Fox dipped his prosthetic leg in the Atlantic Ocean on that chilly April morning in 1980, and started his Marathon of Hope, he could not have imagined the impact he would have on our country – nor how his courage and determination would continue to inspire Canadians.
43 years later, Terry’s mission continues with hundreds of Terry Fox Runs, thousands of school Runs, and millions of supporters across Canada and in more than 20 countries around the world.
“It fills our family with joy to see Terry’s legacy inspiring future generations,” says Fred Fox, Terry’s older brother. “Every dollar raised by the people who join or support the Terry Fox Run helps fund cancer research. And every dollar helps realize Terry’s dream of a world without cancer.”
On Sunday September 17, 2023, Canadians across the country will gather once again for Terry and for cancer research. They’ll walk, run, bike, roll, and hike. Some will even get up at 4:30 AM to honour Terry’s favourite time to run.
The foundation says thanks to generous donations, they have been able to support high-impact research and learn more about cancer un the last 10 years than the previous 50, and the pace of discovery continues to accelerate.
To register or donate to the local event, visit the website.
