In more than 9,000 communities across Canada, and many more internationally, preparations are underway for the 36th annual Terry Fox Run. The event celebrates the legacy of a young athlete from Port Coquitlam who, while dreaming of finding a cure for cancer, stirred the collective emotions of a nation while attempting to run across Canada on one leg and a prothesis.
The non-competitive, all-inclusive and family-oriented event starts locally at 10 am on Sunday, September 18, outside the lower level of Powell River Recreation Complex. Registration begins at 8:30 am. Participants can run, walk, bike or roll a 10- or 3.5-kilometre route.
“Sometimes we refer to it as the Terry Fox event and run because we have people rollerblading, dogs on leashes and adults and kids riding their bikes,” said local run co-coordinator Ted Rodonets. “Some walk and some jog, the whole idea is just doing it.”
Organizers expect more than 400 participants to take part if the weather cooperates. Between 60 and 75 volunteers from various local organizations will also be on hand to make sure the event runs according to plans.
“There are so many good activities in Powell River; charitable events and festivals,” said Rodonets. “The only way these things ever get done is by volunteers sliding sideways and helping each other.”
This year’s local Terry’s Team member, Lynda Miller, is currently undergoing breast cancer treatments for the second time. Inspired by Fox’s Marathon of Hope, Miller has participated in the event since first being diagnosed 12 years ago.
“I watched Terry Fox on his journey across Canada and when he was admitted to the hospital,” said Miller. “When I was first diagnosed I just had to become more involved with the run.”
After treatment for her initial bout with cancer led to remission, Miller continued her involvement with the run and also joined Paddling for Life dragon boat team, which paid dividends in more ways than one.
“When I was re-diagnosed two years ago, the team was right on it; they were such good companions and supporters,” said Miller. “Different members phoned every week and made sure I was doing okay.”
More than half of the team has had breast cancer, while the others have been affected by cancer in some shape or form through family or friends.
By doctor’s orders, Miller was required to step away from dragon boating for an entire season, which came as a surprise, she said. She returned to dragon boating in June.
“When you’ve been a dragon boater for 10 years and then you suddenly have to take a year off, it’s a real shock,” said Miller. “It took me a month to get over the realization that I wasn’t going to be able to do it.”
Having been through treatment, remission and a second diagnosis, Miller said that, and her experiences receiving support from family, team members and friends, has led to positive interactions with others now facing similar issues.
“I have come across so many people and they start asking questions about treatment,” said Miller. “I just try to support them and tell them they have to take each day as it comes and get through it.”
Since the run was first held in Powell River in the mid-1980s, approximately $540,000 has been raised in the community, said Rodonets. In 2015, about $25,600 was raised, he added.
“People know the money is well spent,” he said. “Terry Fox Foundation has such a strong research component; 84 cents out of every dollar people donate goes directly to research.”
According to the foundation, more than 1,212 cancer-research projects have been funded and more than $700 million raised worldwide since Fox embarked on his marathon-per-day journey in 1980.
Registration for the local event and run is by donation with no minimum pledge amount. A post-run pancake breakfast and gathering for participants and volunteers will take place starting at 11 am.
For more information or to make a donation, go to terryfox.org.
