“I'm not a dreamer, and I'm not saying this will initiate any kind of definitive answer or cure to cancer, but I believe in miracles. I have to.”
These words were spoken by a true Canadian hero. Terry Fox had a single dream: a world without cancer.
He sought to reach out to every corner of Canada, and beyond, when he embarked on his Marathon of
Hope. Fox ran the equivalent of a marathon a day for 143 consecutive days on one leg, to raise awareness for the need for research funding.
When his own cancer spread, he was forced to stop running, but his dream to find a cure for cancer lives on. This year marks the 34th Annual Terry Fox Run and 100 Mile House wants are residents to help keep Terry’s message alive.
The Terry Fox Run has a long-standing tradition in 100 Mile House – since 1985.
Shannon Pennicott, a cancer survivor, joined this tradition as run organizer last year, and she says it’s a great day.
"It's a nice enjoyable day, it's a nice walk and it's for a great cause. Every single one of us has been touched by cancer in some way, whether directly or indirectly."
The Terry Fox Foundation funds research in all kinds of cancer, believing as Terry did, that we need to conquer this disease once and for all,” says Donna White, provincial director for the Terry Fox Foundation British Columbia and Yukon.
The Terry Fox Foundation differs from other organizations in that 84 cents of every dollar is donated directly to cancer research initiatives, she explains.
“By participating, you will become an integral part of carrying Terry’s torch and helping your community contribute to the $650 million already raised for cancer research worldwide, in Terry’s name. It is due to the continuous efforts communities, such as 100 Mile House, that money fundraised in Terry’s name has made The Terry Fox Foundation a national investor in cancer research.”
This year’s 100 Mile House event takes place at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre on Airport Road, Sept. 14. Registration is at 10 a.m. with start time at 11 a.m. The annual run is a non-competitive, all-inclusive, family oriented activity during which participants can run, walk, blade or bike for one, five or 10 kilometres.
Folks can also register online at www.terryfox.org/run. The registration is by donation and there is no minimum pledge amount.
