Rain, sleet, or snow, Terry ran through it all.
That was the shared sentiment for participants of the annual Terry Fox Run at Slawuta Pond in Bonnyville on Sunday, Sept. 16.
“Terry Fox ran in this kind of weather,” explained Evelyn Campeau, organizer for the local event.
Attendees donned toques, raincoats, and gloves to keep them warm during their walk or run along the Jessie Lake shoreline.
Despite the cold, everyone was smiling and ready to take part.
This year’s event raised about $2,600 between online donations and pledges made prior to the run.
The Terry Fox Run is near and dear to Campeau, who was happy with the turnout and support from the community.
“Twenty-three years ago, we lost our son to the same type of cancer as Terry Fox. He was 18-years-old. We got involved after that. I think it’s a good cause, and all of the money goes to research,” exclaimed Campeau.
Runner Mandy Watters has been participating in the event for 23 years, and said she includes most of her family every year.
“I was friends with Rob Campeau, Evelyn’s son. It sparked in me to do the run when he passed away, and I do have family members and other friends who’ve had cancer. Some in memory of, and some in honour of those who have won their battles.”
Along with raising money for a good cause, Watters uses the fundraiser as a way of teaching her kids about the struggles others may face.
“We come with my kids every year, even when it rains, we show up whatever the weather just because Terry Fox wasn’t a quitter. He ran even in the rain, and he was sick. We’re healthy and able, and we can get out here and walk,” she detailed.
Participants Kim and Pedro Rodrigues ran across the finish line with smiles on their faces, despite the weather.
“We’re running for Anika. My daughter passed away from cancer, and we’re running in her memory,” Kim noted, adding that she was pleased the run was still on despite the frigid temperature.
Terry Fox was a 22-year-old cancer survivor when he began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980. His goal was to run across the country, raising funds for cancer research along the way.
He was forced to end his run 143 days and 5,373 kilometres in, when he experienced chest pains and had issues breathing. He was rushed to the hospital just outside of Thunder Bay.
Fox’s cancer had returned in his lungs. He died before he was able to finish his run across Canada, on June 28, 1981.
