Skip to content

OUR VIEW: Fox fight continues

Thanks for keeping this courageous young man’s vision alive 40 years later
22741038_web1_200916-QCO-TerryFoxRun_1
This year’s 40th Terry Fox Run is a virtual event on Sept. 20. (Black Press Media files)

Fred Fox will be sharing the 40th annual Terry Fox Run – named after his little brother – with two special guests this weekend.

Due to COVID-19, a large community run that traditionally run this weekend can’t happen. So, Fred and his wife will be doing a smaller run – limited to their social bubble – with their three kids and two grandchildren, the youngest whom will participate for the first time.

Sharing this moment with the grandkids and talking about Terry’s indelible legacy means a lot to Fred, who said he’s overwhelmed to see how many worldwide still wanted to get out and run and donate, even with economic uncertainty and a global pandemic.

The Maple Ridge man recalled, during the early years of the run, how his parents assumed the fundraiser would peter out.

RELATED: Plenty of ways to participate in this year’s Terry Fox Run

Well, it has been four decades, and thanks to Terry’s supporters, his name-sake foundation has raised more than $800 million for cancer research, with annual runs around the globe still drawing about 300,000 participants.

There are many ways to remember this national hero.

For instance, there was a new line of Adidas runners and T-shirts released this past spring. There might soon be a Canadian $5 bill emblazoned with his image.

But, the most meaningful way remains the Terry Fox Run. Normally there is one run in Aldergrove, another in Langley City, and one in Walnut Grove.

The annual events, even during COVID, happens Sunday – just not in the same way. Not together. It doesn’t stop us from participating in our own way, in our own bubble.

SIGNING UP HERE: TERRY.

Terry was an incredible young man who changed the world by sharing his personal fight with cancer and his desire to end the disease.

We hope you’ll take some time this weekend to walk or run in his honour, and to collect or donate a few bucks for the cause so dear to his heart.

Lace up. Let’s ensure Terry’s legacy lives on for another 40 years.

.

– R.H.

RELATED: Google Doodle unveils illustration of Terry Fox on anniversary of first run

_________________________

Do you have an opinion you’d like to share. Please send us a letter to the editor, include your first and last name, your address, and your phone number. Email to editor@langleyadvancetimes.com. In the meantime, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.



Roxanne Hooper

About the Author: Roxanne Hooper

I began in the news industry at age 15, but honestly, I knew I wanted to be a community journalist even before that.
Read more