LITTLE CURRENT—The Little Current Terry Fox Run will be returning to Low Island Park, 66 Water Street West on Sunday, September 14 thanks to the efforts of organizers Gloria Goodwill-Aelick and Amelia Wood.
The Terry Fox Run has always been a non-competitive, community-based fundraiser and this year it is seeing its 45th anniversary. As an 18-year-old lad from Port Coquitlam, Terry never saw himself as a hero or in any way remarkable, but he has been remembered as displaying an unusual determination to achieve his goals.
Diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma just above the knee, Terry’s leg was amputated, and he was fitted with a prothesis. His experiences in the cancer wards instilled in him the knowledge that more funding for research was needed.
On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox dipped that prothesis into the Atlantic Ocean and set out to run across the country.
He set out on his Marathon of Hope to little fanfare at first, but soon his mission captured the imagination of the nation and crowds began turning out to cheer him on.
Sadly, Terry never reached the Pacific Ocean. His cancer returned in his lungs and he was forced to end his epic journey on September 1, having run 5,373 miles. Before his death on June 28, 1981 at the too-young age of 22, Terry had accomplished his incredible goal of raising $1 from every Canadian—but his legacy has continued on to the present day. The Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $950,000,000 to date.
He was ranked second in the 2004 CBC special The Greatest Canadian, only coming second to the formidable Tommy Douglas, the father of our nation’s universal health care system. Terry Fox is that most Canadian of heroes and has risen to be one of our nation’s greatest heroes.
“Amy and I noticed that there hasn’t been a Terry Fox Run for a number of years,” said Ms. Goodwill-Aelick. So, the dynamic duo set about organizing an event in Little Current; a pair of remarkable individuals who exemplify the “ordinary” Canadians who have kept Terry’s dream alive.
The date set for the run was actually set by Terry Fox himself, a time picked by him when he requested Canada continues on without him and nearly 600 communities have picked up the challenge this year. Those communities run the gamut from urban centres to rural communities, and cross the French English divide for a common cause.
When asked about their motivation for setting up the event, Ms. Goodwill-Aelick pointed out that there are very few families who have not been impacted by cancer. “Including ours,” she said. “So we looked at what needed to be done and we said, ‘We can do that.’”
As soon as they set about lining up the run, they discovered a very supportive community. The modest goal set for the fundraising has surpassed 120 percent, but that doesn’t mean more isn’t welcome.
Ms. Goodwill-Aelick advises people hoping to get a T-shirt to come and register early.
Registration starts down at the Low Island pavilion at 12:45 pm, with a start time for the one kilometre loop set for 1 pm. Washrooms and parking are available and the route is accessible for those on bicycles, wheelchairs and leading a dog on a leash, as well as the usual runners and walkers. The event is set for rain or shine—so dress appropriately.
Those unable to take part can still do their bit by donating to the cause, just pop by run.terryfox.ca