As Canada celebrates 150 years, The Terry Fox Run proudly celebrates 37
By Contributor
Hundreds of thousands of people across Canada are expected to participate in the Annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 17th, a fundraising event taking place in over 700 communities that continue to embody the indomitable spirit of Terry Fox.
Nelson’s event begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. before the warm up at 9:20 a.m. The Terry Fox Run goes at 9:30 a.m.
“In a year where we have enjoyed celebrating our country’s 150th birthday, it’s been great to hear so many Canadians say that participating in the Terry Fox Run in an important part of the celebration,” says Terry’s older brother Fred Fox.
Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak as well as guest starter Suzane will be present at the race start at the Flagpole in Rotary Lakeside Park.
Terry was just 18 when he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his right leg. He was in his first year at Simon Fraser University studying kinesiology when he felt the pain in his knee. He had his leg amputated six inches above the knee and endured aggressive chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells. During his treatment, he witnessed daily reminders that two-thirds of cancer victims died of the disease. Instead of crushing his spirits, the sight of other patients suffering made him stronger and more compassionate. It was from this strength and compassion that the Marathon of Hope was born.
Since Terry ran in 1980, Canadians have raised over $750 million for cancer research. This money is invested into projects with the greatest potential impact for patients. One such project is Multiple Myeloma Molecular Monitoring, underway in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. A team of researchers will work with more than 250 patients across Canada to advance the ability to characterize and monitor multiple myeloma in the blood and the bone marrow to better understand how current treatments work and develop new, more effective ones.
On Sunday, September 17th, hundreds of thousands of Terry Fox supporters, family and friends, will participate in a favourite Fall tradition to ensure that cancer research continues to make a difference. From coast to coast, Canadians will be celebrating the power of the human spirit.
Photo Caption: Nelsonites flocked to Rotary Lakeside Park to participate in the 2016 Terry Fox Run. — Bruce Fuhr, The Nelson Daily
