Sun shines on Terry Fox Run
They walked, they ran, they biked and roller-bladed. And some of the younger participants rode in strollers as an estimated 40 Slave Lake and area residents took part in the 27th annual Terry Fox Run in Slave Lake Sunday.
Organizer Lenny Richer says those who’d already done their fundraising at Run time estimated they’d raised about $1,900 toward the cause. But a handful of others were expected to post their individual totals on line.
“The weather was great and those who took part seemed to really enjoy their afternoon” doing their part to keep Terry Fox’s dream alive.
The Canadian icon was just 18 years old when he lost his leg to cancer. And driven by the suffering of young cancer victims around him, the teen from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia made a pledge to run across Canada – his Marathon of Hope. His goal was to raise $1 from every Canadian for cancer research.
“Somewhere the hurting must stop,” he pledged.
On Apr. 12, 1980, Terry dipped his leg in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of St. John’s, Newfoundland and headed west. He ran 42 km – or 26.2 miles per day, through Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Ontario, collecting pledges as he went. After 143 days and 5,373 km., just northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Terry was forced to abandon his run when the cancer returned.
But Isadore Sharp, CEO of the Four Seasons Hotels was moved by the brave young man’s intense determination. And while Terry lay in his hospital bed, Sharp sent a message saying he wished to host an annual run in Terry’s name for cancer research. Terry died on June 28, 1981, just one month short of his 23rd birthday.
Three hundred thousand Canadians took part in the first Terry Fox Run that fall, raising $3.5 million.
The Run has since expanded to include Run sites around the world and has raised $400 million worldwide.
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