Terry Fox’s dream to raise money for cancer research has inspired people all across Canada to participate in what was started 33 years ago.
For Chestermere Lake Middle School this year’s run held on September 13 was the 13th consecutive year they have invited the students to participate in the event. “This has become a part of our history – CLMS has participated since it opened in 2000” says the school’s principal, Tammy Rahn.
For Grade 7 Teacher, Andrew Kunz, this is an important occasion. “Cancer has always been a big part of my fundraising efforts, with numerous friends and family touched by the disease” shares Kunz. He estimates that he has participated in 15-20 Terry Fox Run’s over the years and even attended the very 1st Terry Fox run ever held.
After a thoughtful video presentation about Terry Fox and his incredible journey, the 688 middle school students prepared for the hour long run consisting of continuous laps around their school yard, with a 5 minute warm up and dance party.
Chestermere Fire Fighters were on hand to signal the start of the run with their truck sirens, offering support and encouragement to the students as they went by. They even had some fun with the students, offering a refreshing cool down with a light sprinkle from their hose which motivated the pupils to keep moving as the mercury continued to rise to record temperatures.
Students typically raise around $6000 each year during this event, by collection pledges and donations from family, friends and neighbors. They will continue to collect donations until the end of September.
9000 schools participate in the Terry Fox Run annually and an estimated $27million is raised across Canada each year.
In 1977 at the age of 21, Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and had his leg amputated above the knee. It was because of the suffering among cancer patients he saw while in hospital that he began his Marathon of Hope in 1980. For 143 days straight, he ran the equivalent of a marathon, making his way across Canada before he was forced to stop in Thunder Bay, Ont., due to his cancer returning.
Fox died months later at the age of 22 years after raising more than $22million for cancer research and leaving a legacy inspired by a dream.
