Skip to content

Terry Fox Run set for Sept. 18 in Quesnel

-

Every year thousands of Canadians head out to celebrate the courageous steps of a young man who had a dream of a world without cancer.

Terry Fox truly believed “that if we all gave one dollar, we’d have $24 million for cancer research.”

Although unable to complete his cross-Canada run, Terry raised $24.l million in 1980.

Since that time, more than $550 million has been raised through the Terry Fox Foundation’s initiatives.

“Through research and development, if Terry were alive today he would be looking at a 90 per cent survival rate, instead of the 30 per cent he was given in 1980,” Donna White, cancer survivor and provincial director of Terry Fox Foundation’s BC/Yukon division explained.

“What’s wonderful about his legacy is it’s not just about the type of cancer Terry had, or cancers affecting youth, men or women. The foundation funds research in all kinds of cancer, believing as Terry did, that we need to conquer this disease once and for all for everybody.”

Sunrise 2000 Rotary has organized the Quesnel Terry Fox Run for the past seven years and spokesperson Christy Kennedy said the event is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration.

“We have Mr. Mike’s providing burgers by donation, games for the children and of course the Run, Sept. 18, which begins at 10 a.m. in LeBourdais Park and travels along the Riverfront Trail,” Kennedy said.

As well as fully endorsing the fundraising run, Kennedy said she admires the organization which has worked tirelessly for 31 years to help fulfill Terry Fox’s dream.

“I visited the Terry Fox Foundation offices in Port Coquitlam last year – they work with bare minimum,” she said.

“The computers are old, the office equipment is old but their spirits are amazing.

“Donna White, a cancer survivor herself, said very humbly, ‘I get to come to work every day for my hero, Terry Fox.’”

Kennedy also wanted to remind people of the incredibly high percentage of donations which actually go towards research.

“People may not realize that 87 cents from every dollar donated goes to cancer research, three cents for administration and 10 cents for fundraising efforts throughout the year.”

This year, Terry Fox Runs around the world pay special tribute to Betty Fox, Terry’s mother, who died this year but spent the last 31 years working for the foundation and Terry’s dream.

“We need to recognize her amazing contribution to her son’s dream,” Kennedy said.

“I encourage the community to do whatever they can to raise funds.”

Anyone with questions, who want to volunteer or are looking for pledge forms, contact Kennedy, 250-983-2423, visit the foundation online www.terryfox.org or call 1-888-836-9786.