In 2019, participants headed along the scenic shores of Lake Huron for Terry Fox Run September 15. Hub photo
Hub Staff
September 20, 2020 will the 40th anniversary of the annual Terry Fox Run that sees millions of participants worldwide and has raised over $800 million to date for cancer research. This year COVID has forced the event to go virtual, presenting a small challenge compared to the feats of strength and determination that Fox accomplished in his time.
Fox began training for his Marathon of Hope in 1979 and by the spring of 1980 he was averaging 42 kilometres a day across Canada. In 1981 Fox realized his dream of raising $1 from every Canadian for cancer research as his Marathon of Hope Fund reached a total of $24.17 million. Fox’s dream was infectious and 40 years later continues to inspire millions of Canadians and others around the world.
The Terry Fox Foundation is calling the 2020 event 'One day. Your way.' and encouraging individuals and families to take on the challenge in any way, shape or form. In the Town of Saugeen Shores, Fitness Corner's Holly Vanderzwet has helped organize the community Terry Fox Run for more than 20 years. This year Vanderzwet is encouraging local residents to walk, run or cycle in memory of Terry or anyone they know who has suffered a battle with cancer.
In a recent post to the Fitness Corner website, Vanderzwet recognized the impact that Fox and his Foundation has had on the advancements in cancer treatments. “The research is making a difference. Two years prior to Terry’s amputation the rate of survival of his cancer was only 15%. Today he would not have had an amputation,” reported Vanderzwet.
To help motivate Saugeen Shores, Vanderzwet will be hosting a Facebook Live event beginning at 9am on Sunday, September 20. Port Elgin resident, Geordie Farrell, will share the history and some insights into Fox’s journey. Farrell lost her husband to cancer and participates in the Run each year in his memory. Vanderzwet will host a live warmup to get everyone’s blood pumping before they set out on your chosen course.
“Forty years ago this determined young man set out to make a difference in his country, he sure did,” declared Vanderzwet. “Not only did he bring awareness to the fight against cancer, he also showed there were no limits to what an amputee could do. He helped to change people’s attitude toward the disabled. He has become a national hero. Let’s go a few kilometers on September 20, 2020 and raise some funds to battle cancer through the Terry Fox Foundation," Vanderzwet said.
Interested participants can join the Facebook Live event through the Fitness Corner Facebook page at facebook.com/welikefitnesscorner.
Donations to the Terry Fox Foundation can be made at terryfox.org.
