36 years following Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope and his legacy still inspires a nation
By Contributor
Hundreds of thousands of people across Canada are expected to participate in the Annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 18th, a fundraising event taking place in over 800 communities nation-wide that continue to embody the indomitable spirit of Terry Fox.
Nelson’s run begins at Lakeside Rotary Park.
Registration is at 8:30 a.m. followed by a warm-up and speeches.
The gun sounds at 9:30 a.m. for the run, walk or ride event to raise money for cancer research.
Terry’s Marathon of Hope in 1980 heralded a new age in fundraising. Terry was an innovator, raising funds for a disease that was still referred to in whispers whileattempting to run across Canada, an athletic feat few able-bodied athletes would even consider.
He ran with his artificial leg exposed, he talked about his experience with cancer; he gave hope to those suffering from the disease. Terry’s grassroots approach was a direct reflection of who he was – and Canadians embraced him with an intensity rarely seen before.
There is no doubt that Terry’s example of courage and perseverance lives on today in Terry Foxers of all ages.
“Terry Fox Runs wouldn’t happen each year in Nelson without our residents’ commitment to continue Terry’s dream to find a cure for cancer,” said Pat Gibson of the Kootenay Rhythm Dragons, who are organizing the event.
The Terry Fox Runs are non-competitive, all inclusive, family oriented activity where participants can run, walk, blade or bike.
Participants can register three ways – on the Run day at the Park, online under Run Participants, or obtain a pledge sheet online and bring it to the Park on Run day.
On Sunday, September 18th, hundreds of thousands of Terry Fox supporters, family and friends, will participate in their favourite Canadian tradition to ensure that cancer research continues to make a difference.
As Terry himself might have said, one dollar from every Canadian; that’s it.
