September is here, and in a few weeks, thousands of people will be taking to the streets (and in Hope’s case, the trails too) in the 33rd Terry Fox Run.
Runs for the cancer research in Terry’s name are held all over the country. The Terry Fox Foundation raised $30 million last year in 750 communities, and 8,700 schools across Canada. Terry would be proud indeed.
Terry’s father, Rolly Fox, wrote to me recently thanking me for my efforts here in Hope. I was truly touched to receive his letter in which he stated a quote from his son in 1979 while he was training.
“The first 20 years of my life I have been very self-oriented. I had no concern for anyone but myself. It took cancer to make me realize that being self-centred is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.” He wrote this in 1979, just before starting his run.
On September 15, we all will have a chance to carry on with Terry’s dream and do our part in working towards a cure for this dreadful disease.
If you cannot or do not want to run or walk the official distance, just go as far as you want to or can, or just drop by with a show of support and a donation. Remember there is no entry fee, no minimum pledge or donation and the event is non-competitive.
Come out and join with the people who feel like we all do, and remember those we know who were touched by cancer. Registration starts at 8 a.m., with the run/walk actually starting 9 a.m. at the rec centre on Sixth Avenue.
Eileen Shepherd,
Volunteer and cancer survivor