April 12 marked the 35th anniversary of Terry Fox setting off on his campaign across Canada by dipping his prosthetic leg into the Atlantic ocean.
Where were you in 1980 when Terry Fox began his extraordinary run? Here’s how several local residents remembered that time.
“I was 15, living at home and remember starting to follow Terry’s adventure as he was making his way through the Maritimes. CTV News had a nightly feature on the News. At the end of most spring/summer days, Terry would appear tired and stoic as the local News coverage would feature him in a local Legion or community centre, speaking to his new-found fans/admirers. Many, many times the camera would pan the crowd and capture the tears in the eyes of the young and old.
“It was particularly poignant to see some rough and tough looking fellows drawn to tears by this young, curly-haired inspiration. His words would be brief, however his message was clear: ‘We have to do something, researchers need the money to make cancer stop.’”
Rain was relentless
“I remember the rain. Terry had a few days of rather relentless rain. The retro-looking van was his sanctuary when he took a break. Terry never stopped because he couldn’t go on; he stopped because it was deemed too dangerous due to reduced visibility from the rain. The rain was relentless – but Terry was more relentless.”
Pay it forward
“What do I remember? Terry being interviewed – he got a lot of TV time. From what I remember this kid was very influenced by his experience in the cancer ward. I think he was an early example of ‘pay it forward.’”
Canadians all witnessed an awe-inspiring young man, determined to do the impossible, but Terry’s brother Fred Fox pointed out, “He was ordinary, but did an extraordinary thing.”
Together we can continue to work towards Terry’s extraordinary goal.
The Terry Fox Run has set a goal of raising $35 million to commemorate the run’s 35th anniversary. That is approximately $1 per Canadian based on today’s population (Terry’s original challenge, which he achieved).
Locally, Drayton Terry Fox Run organizers are aiming to raise $35,000 for the 35th anniversary of the annual event. Drayton’s totals over the years have fluctuated, and surpassing $30,000 is achievable, organizers state. Drayton’s grand total from the past 24 years, of hosting a Terry Fox Run is $404,039.
“Help us to achieve $35,000 for the 2015 Drayton – Moorefield – Alma – Mapleton Terry Fox Run,” organizers urge, noting the $35,000 goal represents $3.50 for each resident of Mapleton.
Participants are encouraged to start a pledge form on-line (www.terryfox.org) or pick one up at the Royal Bank or Drayton Food Market.
Groups and families are encouraged to raise funds and participate as a team. Check out www.terryfox.org for details and to register your team.
The local Terry Fox Run will be held on Sept. 20, at the Drayton – Mapleton Agricultural Hall (under the bleachers at the Drayton Fair Grounds). Registration/lunch will be from 12 to 1:25pm, with the bike or walk or run to start at 1:30pm. There are 2km and 10km routes available.
The 2015 Terry Fox Run T-shirts are available for purchase at Blooming Dales in Drayton. They are always top quality with a new, innovative design each year, organizers note.
“Please stop in to Blooming Dales to have a look and order some swag as all proceeds go directly to the Terry Fox Run,” organizers say.
Terry’s initial run in 1980 did not come through Drayton – however local residents have an opportunity to contribute to cancer research.
The Drayton Terry Fox Run is a “great community gathering with a clear goal to stop cancer,” organizers state.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to ask a committee member: Dale Franklin, Robyn Runstedler, Henni Klaassen, Marilyn Riff, Kristyn Franklin, Theresa Scholten, Linda Dickieson, Mary Downey, Carly Ellis or Louise Ellis (at 519-638-2120 or loularellis@yahoo.ca).
