Terry Fox Run goes virtual for it’s 40th anniversary

KAWARTHA LAKES-As a young girl living in small town Ontario I will never forget the images of Terry Fox on our small black and white TV. His limping run, his prosthetic leg, the pain and sometimes the smile on his face, really impacted me.

Fox had been diagnosed with Ostesarcoma and had his leg amputated in 1977. His goal was to run across the country and raise money for cancer research. The Marathon of Hope began in 1980.

His determination and his positive outlook was mesmerizing. I was so moved by him that I went door to door throughout the village of Burnt River and collected donations. I don’t remember the exact amount, but my small town contributed approximately $300 to the very first Marathon of Hope.

After 143 days the cancer had returned and his run was over. He died the following year. That was 40 years ago and Terry’s dream and his legacy lives on.

The goal when he started the run in April 1980 was to raise $24 million — one dollar for every Canadian at the time. To date more than $800 million has been raised for cancer research in his name.

Just like Fox himself, the Terry Fox Run will perservere this year even in the middle of a pandemic.

“Cancer isn’t waiting for the pandemic to end and neither can we,” said Ara Sahakian, Terry Fox Foundation interim executive director.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the annual fundraising runs a no-go. A virtual version will be held instead on Sept. 20, with the theme “One Day. Your Way.”

Organizers are asking people to sign up online to “walk, run, dance or hike on a favourite route with your favourite people,” while raising funds for cancer research.

Locally the Lindsay Terry Fox run is also hosting a Golf Tournament.  It will be held Saturday, September 19th at the Lindsay Golf and Country Club for a golf tournament to raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation.  $55/ person for (9 holes, cart, & lunch)