The 31st Annual Terry Fox Run is in danger of not taking place this year in Woss Lake, if a volunteer run organizer is not found.
“It would be such a shame for the people of Woss Lake to miss out on an opportunity to keep Terry’s legacy alive as every community no matter how big or small can make a huge impact, just as Terry learned when a small town of 10,000 people raised over $10,000” said Donna White, provincial director for B.C. and Yukon of the Terry Fox Foundation.
White, herself a cancer survivor, is a testament to the difference research is making in the fight against cancer.
“The fact is if Terry were alive today instead of being given a 30 per cent chance to live, he would be looking at a 90 per cent survival rate,” explained White.
“And what’s wonderful about his legacy is it’s not just about the type of cancer Terry had, or cancers affecting youth, or men, or women — the Foundation funds research in to all kinds of cancer believing, as Terry did, that we need to conquer this disease once and for all for everybody,” she said.
“When I started this Run, I said that if we all gave one dollar, we’d have $24 million for cancer research, and I don’t care, man, there’s no reason that isn’t possible.” stated Terry Fox.
During his Marathon of Hope in 1980, Terry Fox did just that raising $24.1 million.
Since that period more than $500 million has been raised through the Terry Fox Foundation’s initiatives, such as The Terry Fox Run, founded by Isadore Sharp, founder of the Four Season Hotels and Resorts, who had a vision of his own.
“We will ask every city and town across Canada to join in on the same day so that you will be running in our hearts and minds every year until the battle is won.”
The Terry Fox Run began more than thirty years ago with more than 760 sites in Canada and around the world, attracting 300,000 participants and raising $3.5 million.
The Terry Fox Foundation is looking for an enthusiastic individual to continue the tradition in Woss Lake on Sunday, Sept. 18.
As long-term organizer, Elaine Marlon-Lambert on Mayne Island, learned: “It’s amazing how many times people and businesses want to help if you mention Terry’s name.
“He was such an inspiration and it’s really a privilege to be able to work on carrying on where he left off.”
If interested in getting involved, please contact Donna White at The Terry Fox Foundation either by email at bcyukon@terryfoxrun.org or by phone at 1-888-836-9786.
For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.terryfox.org.