The 45th annual Terry Fox Run set off from Simcoe Park in Old Town on Sept. 14, with teams of local business, cancer survivors and families joining a community push to finish what Terry Fox started.
Organized by longtime volunteer Joan King, the event raised money for the Terry Fox Foundation, which funds research that participants said is helping Niagara residents live longer.
“He couldn’t, but we can. We can do it for Terry, for our friends, for our family,” said King to a crowd of hundreds ready to run, walk and roll for the cure.
“We’re so grateful and humbled by the support from this generous community, raising a remarkable 1.8 million since 1991.”
Local employers, including Ralph Lauren at the Outlet Collection and the Wind Group from St. Catharines, brought their staff to take part, joining dozens of other Niagara businesses backing the cause.
Also taking part were Megan Dyck, 16, and her mother, Amber, who shared how the run represents hope for families living with cancer.
Megan has been in treatment for two years, and Amber said new research made possible through the Terry Fox Foundation has given her daughter and many like her hope to one day see a cure for cancer.
“Thanks to the research that is being done and the advances of immunotherapy, it is giving us more time than they even imagined,” said Amber Dyck.
Amber read from her poem “The Unrung Bell,” describing the traditional celebration when cancer treatment is completed and the silence families face when it’s not.
“Keep fighting the battle, keep raising the funds. Until the silence is broken by every bell rung,” said Dyck.
King said the goal this year is $120,000 total, with online donations already more than halfway there before race time. Volunteers will tally final figures in the days ahead.
“If you’re supporting this, you’re supporting cancer research. You’re saving lives,” said King.
MacSween Farms and Walker’s Country Market donated fresh fruit, while Phil’s and Hendrick’s Independent Grocers supplied water. The Terry Fox T-shirt table was sold out before the run started, with all proceeds going to support the Terry Fox Foundation.
King, a retired teacher, has led the NOTL run for 18 years and called Terry Fox a lesson in character for every generation.
Local fundraising fixture Joe Pillitteri was also at the run. He has raised more than $1 million for the Terry Fox Foundation over the years and given steady support to Megan, whom he calls an inspiration.
Donations can still be made at terryfox.org.
