“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.” – Terry Fox, 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.
Terry Fox ran the equivalent of a marathon a day for 143 days straight 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 35th annual Terry Fox Run and Campbell River organizers invite you to help keep Terry’s message alive.
The Terry Fox Run has a long standing tradition in Campbell River since 1986. Chris Flood joined this tradition as Run Organizer in 2013. Flood and the local organizing committee extend an invitation to the community of Campbell River to join them on Run Day.
Over 100 communities in British Columbia will be running to keep the dream of Terry Fox alive.
“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.
By participating, you will become an integral part of carrying Terry’s torch and helping your community contribute to the nearly $700 million already raised for cancer research worldwide, in Terry’s name. It is due to the continuous efforts of communities like Campbell River, that money fundraised in Terry’s name has made a difference for so many Canadians.
Terry’s vision and courage have helped to change and reshape Canada in many ways. Importantly, it transformed cancer research here – establishing a new attitude and threshold regarding what kind of investment was necessary to support cancer research. The Terry Fox Foundation differs from other organizations in that 84 cents of every dollar is donated directly to cancer research initiatives, making The Foundation an industry leader in national investment and fundraising accountability. To date, over 1,212 cancer research projects have been funded by The Foundation.
This year’s event takes place on the National Run Day, Sept. 20. Registration is at 9 a.m. with warm-up at 9:50 a.m. and start time at 10 a.m. Starting at the Seawalk at Frank James Park (Willow Point), the Terry Fox Run will move north 2.5 km to its turnaround point at Rotary Beach Park. The focus for the event is now moving towards family fun and an event that is not just for the run. People and families of all ages are welcome to attend the event and walk with a stroller, bike, roller blade, and move along with a friend or bring your kids, grandma and grandpa too!
The Runs are a non-competitive, all-inclusive, family oriented activity where participants can run, walk, blade or bike. Registration is by donation with no minimum pledge amount. Participants have the option to be recognized as a corporate team, individual participants, or even a member of “Terry’s Team” of cancer survivors. Every participant is a special part of the cause, as living proof that cancer research saves lives.
“If you’ve given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope.” Terry taught us that every contribution matters. We urge you come out and join Campbell River in contributing to a world without cancer.
To register, visit: www.terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/campbellriver. FACEBOOK: Terry Fox Run 2015 - Campbell River
For more information on the run in Campbell River, contact: Chris Flood, Run Organizer. 250-895-0077, thebcfloods@shaw.ca.
For more information on the Terry Fox Foundation, contact: Donna White, Provincial Director, The Terry Fox Foundation, British Columbia and Yukon.