Editor:
It’s September again, and almost Terry Fox Run day. It is time for us all to show support for the brave and compassionate young man who, 40 years ago, started his Marathon of Hope to raise money to fight cancer.
This year, Terry Fox events will not be taking place as usual, but organizers around the country are still hoping for financial support. On April 12, 1980, Terry dipped his leg in the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s, Nfld. and began his epic run.
He intended to run to Vancouver, a journey of about 8,000 miles, and dip his leg into the Pacific.
It wasn’t until he reached Toronto that people started to take notice, and it was there that he said, “Dreams are made if people only try. I believe in miracles – I have to, because somehow the hurting has to stop.”
Terry ran 26 miles a day, and then sadly, at mile 3,339, cancer returned and forced him to give up his run.
Most of us know someone who has had cancer, some of whom have succumbed to the dreaded disease.
Please join in and support the dream that Terry had, and support the TF Foundation. It should be noted that approximately 85 cents of every dollar collected goes to research and only about 15 cents to administration. This is very good compared to many of the other leading charities.
Donations to Terry’s dream can be sent to www.terryfox.org online, or by sending a cheque directly to: Terry Fox Foundation, 160-8960 University High St., Burnaby, BC V5A 4Y6. Cheques should be made out to: Terry Fox Foundation. Donors who contribute more than $20 will receive an income tax receipt.
So, on Saturday or Sunday, Sept. 19 & 20, go for a walk or run and think of our Terry, 40 years ago, and help make his dream of a cure a reality.
Towards the end of his run, Terry said: “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.”
Let’s keep it going.
Eileen Shepherd, South Surrey
