The annual Terry Fox Run was held in Water Valley on Sept. 15 with some 55 donors and participants contributing to an amazing total of more than $9,200 raised for cancer research.
It was a beautiful fall morning for those who ran, biked, walked and pushed strollers along the scenic roads of Water Valley in family groups.
This has become a tradition over the years and the essence of the success we have each year as friends and families banded together to pay tribute to loved ones fighting cancer, to survivors and to those lost to cancer.
This year the family and friends of David Croft mourn his passing and came out in full force as a tribute to his memory. Before the run participants pay tribute on the memory board and share stories of friends and loved ones.
We all share a common thread that keeps this run so vibrant every year and it is the hope that someday through research there will be cures for all types of cancer.
Many innovative treatments such as stem cell therapy have been developed as well as new techniques for early detection of cancer cells. Many of these are happening in some of the 50 cancer centres across Canada today.
The community support is overwhelming with donations of the hall, food, refreshments, advertising, draw prizes, signage and expenses.
The Cremona and District First Response team patrols the route ensuring the safety of young riders.
After the run participants enjoyed hotdogs and homemade goodies and looked at memorabilia and pictures of past runs, and a time of fellowship. Over the past years we have had a variety of weather, ranging from rain or shine to snow, but have never cancelled the run.
Since the first run in 1989 the total raised as of 2012 was over $101,000. The Cremona School will celebrate its 10th year this Sept. 26 having contributed over $39,000 to the Terry Fox Run and this promises to be another super year as well.
This is truly amazing for our small communities of Cremona and Water Valley and shows the generosity and commitment of all involved. Many thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, donors and participants who make our day such a success. Without all of you it could not be done.
The Terry Fox Foundation is one of the largest non-governmental funders of cancer research in the country. To date the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $600 million for cancer research worldwide.
The Terry Fox mandate is to be volunteer led and organized and so 84 cents of every dollar raised goes to research for all types of cancers. To think that the Terry Fox movement has grown since the Terry Fox Run began in 1980 is a tribute to the memory of a brave young man who was determined to do the impossible.
The dedication of the Fox family to preserve the integrity of the run is inspiring. Betty Fox passed away in 2011 but had campaigned for 25 years speaking to schoolchildren and fundraisers across the country, as a key spokesperson for the Terry Fox Run and later the Terry Fox Foundation.
Betty was determined to safeguard the integrity of Terry's name and let children know the story behind “The Marathon of Hope”. Betty would end every speech with the words “Never give up your dreams”.
The Terry Fox Research Institute was launched in 2007 to involve collaboration between cancer hospitals and research organizations across Canada for research space and patient research projects, while sharing and transforming discoveries into practical solutions.
One such study involves early detection of lung cancer. There are many interesting articles if you check out the website under terryfox.org with the latest news in research and technology and the Terry Fox story.
Many donors are taking advantage of online donations at www.terryfoxrun.org . Tributes can be made year round in the form of memorials or ongoing gift giving.
This week it was announced that Terry Fox would be inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame, with his father Rolly Fox and brother Darrell accepting the plaque in his honour.
The run is held in 29 countries around the world and funds raised help research in the country where the run is held. I think Terry would be so proud of what has come of his dream.
- Mary Thomson is the volunteer coordinator of the Water Valley Terry Fox Run.
