Heather Latter
The Church of the Holy Spirit is inviting everyone out to the 34th-annual Terry Fox Run here Sunday.
“Our numbers were a little bit lower last year so we’re hoping to bring it back up,” organizing committee member Cheryle Wolff said after the group’s meeting last night.
“This is a very Canadian event—he’s a Canadian hero,” noted Pam Guild, adding the run also is recognized internationally, taking place in more than 60 countries.
“It really points out how a person can make a change,” she added.
In 1980, at the age of 22, Fox had one leg amputated due to cancer. He subsequently embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
The spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest just outside of Thunder Bay, and he passed away on June 28, 1981.
But Fox remains a prominent Canadian figure to this day.
“It’s important that the Terry Fox Run continues through the years in order for it to stay real,” Guild stressed.
“He’s an international inspiration,” echoed Jane Trivers.
The event here will start from the Sorting Gap Marina, with registration at 1 p.m. and the run at 2.
Guild’s husband, Beau, has been raising money for the event and will have his long locks shorn at 1:30 p.m.
In addition, two brothers from Toronto are planning to attend the event here.
“They participate in a different community each year and this year they picked Fort Frances,” noted Wolff.
She added one recently sprained his ankle so organizers are hoping to get a wheelchair so he still can take part.
After the run, fruit, ice cream, coffee, and water will be available at the marina, instead of a full meal back at the church.
“I’m getting lots of positive feedback about this change,” Trivers said.
“It’s not about the meal—it’s about Terry Fox,” she reasoned.
Pledge forms are scattered throughout the community, as well as on-site.
“If you haven’t gathered pledges, that’s okay,” Guild said, noting there is no entry fee to participate.
“We encourage everyone to come out and join in,” she enthused.
“Sometimes people just give a donation when they arrive and that’s great,” Guild added.
“Every little bit helps.”
T-shirts and hats also will be available for $20.
“There hasn’t been one person who hasn’t been touched by cancer,” Wolff stressed.
“So come out, show your support, and help make a difference,” she urged.
