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Terry Fox run a significant event for qathet region family

 Jessica Adam and James Mack met at Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, where they went for their grade 11 and 12 school years.
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GETTING READY: Wearing their Terry Fox t-shirts in anticipation of this year’s Terry Fox Run on September 19 are [back row, from left] James Mack and Isaac Mack, plus Jessica Adam and Noah Mack, who have been actively involved in the run for many years. Jessica and James attended Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam and gained a great appreciation for Fox and his accomplishments.

Jessica Adam and James Mack met at Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, where they went for their grade 11 and 12 school years. The school was originally called Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School and was renamed after Fox’s death. Adam said both of them grew up in Port Coquitlam, so the Terry Fox Run was always a strong community event.

“It really brought the whole community together,” said Adam.

Mack said going to Terry Fox Secondary School, there were always reminders of Terry Fox around and students knew the story, but it wasn’t until he got older that he had a greater understanding and appreciation for Fox’s accomplishments.

“He sacrificed himself and really thought of other people so much,” said Mack. “That message kind of sunk in for me and became more poignant.”

Adam said she has a great memory of going to the public library in Port Coquitlam as a young person because memorabilia was displayed, such as Fox’s artificial leg and some of the shoes he wore.

“Seeing those pieces was fascinating,” said Adam.

Mack said the physical feat Fox achieved during his run was absolutely amazing, especially with the technology used for his prosthetic and the running shoes he wore.

Mack added that before he left the high school he was working at in Vancouver, he organized the Terry Fox Run there. He said he would have a video and talk about the facts, such as Fox running with tumours in his lungs the size of a lemon and a golf ball. Mack would hand a lemon and golf ball around to the students to show the size of the tumours Fox had in his body, of which Fox had no awareness when he was running.

“We did this thing where we measured the length of the school,” said Mack. “The students would then calculate how many times they would walk the length of the school and how long it would take them to walk continuously back and forth to match what Terry did in a day, just to try and bring that message home to the students. It was one of those ways to help it all sink in and show the importance and magnitude of what he did.”

In terms of their efforts in this community, Adam said about four years ago, when they moved to Powell River, it felt like a natural fit to become involved with the Terry Fox Run here. Mack said at Blackberry Festival, the run had a stand set up and they felt, being new to the city, it was a good opportunity to get involved in the community, and to get involved in the Terry Fox Run.

“Since we’ve moved here we’ve been involved in the run each year, just helping out, a little bit with organization, and on the day, being there,” said Mack. “The legacy for us, growing up in Port Coquitlam – that being where Terry Fox was from, I feel like throughout my life, the legacy of Terry Fox is always so imminent and it was so close.

“Through the experiences of our family and extended family, and people who have gone through cancer, my mother being one, it is such a part of so many people’s lives. Then, with Terry Fox and his example, and going to the school, it was always a piece of our lives. It just seemed like a natural step to become involved.”

Adam said she is thankful for all of the research and energy being put into the fight against cancer, especially with the huge sum the Terry Fox Run has raised over the years. According to the Terry Fox Foundation website, more than $850 million has been raised since 1980.

“All of that research is so beneficial,” said Adam.

In terms of familial involvement, Adam and Mack and their two sons participate in the run every year. Mack said even when they were living in Vancouver, they made a point of going to Port Coquitlam and taking part in that run.

“It’s a family thing for sure,” he said. “It’s simple for people to spend that day and go for a walk or run. Because it’s in the format of a run or casual walk, it’s a pretty accessible way for people to contribute. By participating, you have that regular reminder that cancer is everywhere and affects so many people.”

Adam said it is valuable to focus on what is being accomplished. She said Fox’s accomplishments are so inspiring.

“The Terry Fox Run is really a nice time to reflect on that,” said Adam.

With COVID-19, the Terry Fox Run has taken on a different modus. Rather than the traditional group gathering, last year, and this year, participants were and are requested to do the run or walk on their own. Adam said that last year, her family went on a hike.

“It allows families to do the Terry Fox Run in their own way,” she said.

Mack said hopefully, the run, in future years, will be able to get back to what it has been in the past.

Powell River Terry Fox Run organizer Leslie Paul said for this year’s event, similar to last year’s, it will be up to participants to plan their run, walk or bike ride to keep Fox’s dream alive. For the second straight year, there will not be a community event starting from Powell River Recreation Complex. People can participate by going to the website at terryfox.org and clicking on the Terry Fox Run tab at the top of the page. When directed to the Terry Fox Run page, prospective participants can click on “find a run” and enter Powell River in the search bar.

“It’s one day, your way, yet again,” said Paul.

Last year, $14,000 was raised in the community for the Terry Fox Run. Dedicated donors are still contributing and Paul said that next year, hopefully, the run will be back to normal.

If people want Terry Fox t-shirts, they can phone Brenda at 604.485.4325. People with any questions about the Terry Fox run can contact Paul at 604.483.2023.