quick glance at the participants in the Sept. 15 Terry Fox Run might make one think that the event has gone to the dogs. In reality, a large number of families attended the event, and several included their canine companions.
In total, 163 non-canine participants and a large number of volunteers combined forces to raise almost $21,000 for cancer research. Although revenue and participation were both down a bit this year from previous events, registration volunteer Dale Franklin was quick to point out that, “For a small community, this amount of money is amazing.”
In fact, Drayton’s run has ranged anywhere from second to fifth in the province for revenue per capita over the last decade and a half.
It takes an army of people to pull together a successful fundraising event, and the Terry Fox Run is no exception. The flying calculator fingers of Mary Downey, June Ebertt, Dale Franklin, Stan Hogenkamp, Marilyn Riff and Theresa Scholten were essential to ensure that pre-run registration went smoothly. Out on the route, water stations were manned by Wayne Dickieson and Andy Kirkconnell, and back at the old arena, a barbecued lunch was prepared by Larry and Kyle Ellis.
Other lunch volunteers included Trevor, Keely and Tyler Franklin, as well as Griffen and Mallorie Jack.
Musical entertainment was provided by Randy Smart, and face painting designs by Maureen and Leah Tenhoopen were enjoyed by many.
Use of the old “Purple Palace” was generously provided by the agricultural society.
Ellis also thanked her planning committee, Linda Dickieson, Dale Franklin, Kristyn Franklin, Henni Klaassen and Theresa Scholten. Dickieson, Klaassen, Scholten and Ellis herself are all cancer survivors who are paying it forward by dedicating their efforts each year to help raise funds for cancer research so that others may have hope.
A former nurse, Ellis is excited to report that the funds raised from this event are indeed going to a great cause. After perusing the Terry Fox Institute website, she was impressed to discover that researchers are making good use of the almost $380,000 raised at Drayton’s run since 1990.
“Scientists are definitely able to take their research to the next step, which means cancer patients are getting to their cures faster,” she said.
And that’s what it’s all about. Dogs or no dogs, Drayton’s Terry Fox Run is all about providing hope to cancer patients so that more of them can not only become cancer survivors, but cancer “thrivers”.
When asked for her reaction to the day’s event, Ellis said “this has been a triple A performance: amazing, awesome, and absolutely altruistic; many thanks to all.” As one of the most altruistic Canadians ever, one has to think that Terry would be pleased.
The 2014 Terry Fox Run will take place on the second Sunday after Labour Day across the country, as per Terry’s request.
