Moose Jaw’s 2012 Terry Fox Run in Wakamow Valley on Sunday managed to attract almost 100 participants, raising over $5,000.
“It was definitely a success,” organizer Jennifer Gauthier told the Times-Herald. “There was a little bit of rain, but Terry had to run in the rain, so we did too.”
For the past 32 years, Gauthier said, people from across Canada and around the world have participated in the annual Terry Fox Run, and in that time have raised over $600 million towards cancer research.
According to Gauthier, while Terry Fox succumbed to the disease before he could complete his Marathon of Hope, his example has inspired people to continue with his mission each September ever since.
“The Terry Fox Run keeps his hope going that one day the hurting will stop,” she said, adding participants at Sunday’s fundraising event who have survived cancer are examples of how cancer research can and does save lives.
Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence told the crowd of participants at Sunday’s walk/run that he understands such an event can be emotional for some people. Lawrence said he himself has had loved ones lost to cancer, and therefore he much appreciates the work of the Terry Fox. He appreciates the efforts of those who participate in the fundraiser as well.
Mayor Glenn Hagel told the crowd that earlier on Sunday he was at 15 Wing recognizing the Canadian heroes who fought in the Battle of Britain during the Second World War.
“What we’re doing now is we’re honouring another great Canadian hero,” he said of Terry Fox.
Hagel said Fox was a man who had a dream that he could do what was deemed impossible.
Remembering the original Marathon of Hope over 30 years ago, Hagel said Fox’s run went largely unnoticed by many Canadians at first. But as the young man with one leg made his way across the country, his campaign picked up momentum.
Hagel said when Fox had to quit his marathon near Thunder Bay (an event followed shortly thereafter by his death), there was a great national sadness. However, Hagel said, with that sadness came an encouragement by Canadians to continue that original dream of Fox’s.
“We’re going to finish Terry’s run.”
For more on the Terry Fox Foundation, visit www.terryfox.org.
Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.
