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Though the 2020 Terry Fox Run on Sept. 20 will be largely a virtual event, Canadians remain united in the dream to help find a cure for cancer.
Photo by Don Fennell
Though the 2020 Terry Fox Run on Sept. 20 will be largely a virtual event, Canadians remain united in the dream to help find a cure for cancer.
Photo by Don Fennell
40th Terry Fox Run going virtual
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A single dream has led to a world of hope.
Forty years ago, a 21-year-old Terry Fox began what he called the Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980 in St. John, Nfld. His goal was to raise money for cancer research.
In 1977 Fox was only 18 when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. He was forced to have his leg amputated. But it was the suffering of other cancer patients, particularly young children, that inspired him to embark on a run across Canada.
He didn’t know how Canadians would respond to his plea, but knew “somewhere the hurting must stop.”
However on Sept. 1, 1980—after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres of his cross-country Marathon of Hope—Fox was forced to stop running. Cancer had appeared in his lungs. He passed away June 28, 1981 at the age of 22.
Canadians have kept Fox’s dream alive ever since, each year organizing runs from coast to coast to coast. The world, too, has recognized the cause by hosting annual runs that to date have helped generate more than $750 million for cancer research worldwide.
This year, the global COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone’s lives, but not the desire to help others and to make a difference. So while the 40th annual Terry Fox Run may be going online, the spirit of the exercise remains intact.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, Richmondites will join fellow Canadians in paying homage to Fox and supporting the ongoing efforts to eradicate cancer. They’ll be participating in the first-ever virtual Terry Fox Run. One Day. Your Way.
Howard Jampolsky, organizer of the Terry Fox Run in Richmond, says there will still be some individuals who choose to walk, run, bike and hike on their own, some rising as early as 4:30 a.m. which was Fox’s favourite time to run. Still others will walk and Skype family in Europe to participate in a global effort.
Jampolsky is disappointed it won’t be possible to host a “live” event this year. in Richmond. He says the volunteers and participants are like a family, but like so many families, “we are unable to see each other in person due to the global pandemic.”
“We hope and pray for a return to normal life sooner than later, and hope that next year’s event will be a joyous opportunity for the community to gather once again in support of this great and important cause,” he says.
But the absence of an organized run this year leaves Jampolsky concerned that revenue will be down. He says research must and will continue “so we encourage members of the community to make a special effort this year to donate.”
Visit terryfox.org to learn more.
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