It was September six years ago Bill Palmer’s son died of cancer — and while time has helped numb the pain, it will never take away his loss.
The Penticton resident admits this time of year is particularly difficult and it is also the reason he decided to do something about it.
So as a way to pay tribute to the young man who was taken away from him far too soon, he decided to get involved in organizing the local Terry Fox Run.
“I think he (his son) had a five-year window from the time he was diagnosed until the time he passed away, and I knew it was getting worse towards the end and it was really hard — still is, missing him for sure — but maybe this will make it more of a positive knowing that I can help with a project like this,” said Palmer before the start of Sunday’s run. “Especially when I think of the sacrifices the Fox family has done to help it carry on, this is a very small thing for me to do.
“The real importance is cancer research and keeping Terry’s dream alive and that’s very worthwhile.”
It was in September 1980 Fox was forced to end his Marathon of Hope in Ontario after learning the cancer had returned and spread to his lungs.
He died the following year at age 22.
Palmer teamed up with Kathrine Lucier to organize the 2011 event which surpassed the totals of the previous three years. Just over $5,000 was raised by the estimated 240 participants, not including the donations from over 20 local businesses.
Lucier oversaw the last five Fox events, and while stepping down as chief planner she plans to continue in a volunteer capacity.
“I’ve been honoured and humbled to act as the organizer for the Penticton Terry Fox Run,” said Lucier, whose sister was also diagnosed with cancer and is the person she cites as her inspiration. “What a great day it’s been and what a wonderful time to pass the torch over to Bill (Palmer).”
She also praised Terry Fox for his dedication and perseverance to help others.
“Terry walked because of the kids,” said Lucier. “He watched kids suffering of cancer, dying of cancer, and the kids were his prime motivation to find a cure for cancer.
“He walked in the dark and the sunrise, he just knew he needed to walk and it was never about him.”
She pointed out although Fox would now be 51 years old, he will be forever remembered as “that freckled-faced kid, everybody’s son, everybody’s brother, everybody’s grandson, everybody’s buddy.”
Eleven-year-old Meghan McCafferty was not even born when Fox died, but his legacy lives on through her and the many other young people who took part Sunday.
“What he (Terry) was trying to do and how much it inspired other people I just think it’s a great thing,” said Meghan, who not only volunteered but also donated the $354 she raised busking the previous day at the downtown farmers’ market. “I just really don’t like cancer and I really want it to go away. It’s just such a horrible disease.”
Her friend and co-volunteer Vanessa Edis, 10, agreed: “I’m here because of Terry Fox. He had a dream to run across Canada one day, and so he tried but he didn’t make it, so we’re doing it in his memory.
“To keep Terry’s dream alive.”
Kathrine Lucier holds the microphone for volunteer Meghan McCafferty during her performance prior to the start of Sunday’s Terry Fox Run at the SS Sicamous.
