CARSTAIRS-DIDSBURY - Communities in Central Alberta, and throughout Canada, are preparing for the annual Terry Fox run. The runs are a way to increase awareness about cancer and raise money for cancer research.
The runs, of course, are named after the Canadian legend who attempted to run across Canada after losing his leg to cancer. Fox was just 18 in 1977 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg.
In April 1980, Fox began his Marathon of Hope but was forced to stop six months later when his cancer spread to his lungs. To date, over 750 million dollars has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Fox's name.
The Terry Fox run in Didsbury goes Sept. 17 and is organized by the local fire department. The run takes place at Rosebud Park with registration at 12 p.m. and the run beginning at 1 p.m.
Fire chief and organizer Craig Martin said this will be the sixth year the fire department is organizing the run. Last year the run raised more than $2,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation with 25 entries.
"This year we're aiming for raising between $3,000 to $5,000," said Martin. "Cancer research is such a great cause and all the money raised in Alberta stays in Alberta. It's also great to remember the contribution that Terry Fox made back when he did his run."
Martin said the run is a great family-friendly and dog-friendly event.
"Everyone is welcome to come out," he said. "We have a 5K run and a 10K run. In addition, once again local firefighter David Smith will be running the course in full gear with breathing apparatus and everything."
Pledge forms will be available at the race as well as beforehand at the town office (1606 14th St.) and the recreation complex.
Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs will be having a run Sept. 29 at Memorial Park. The school will have a "Toonie for Terry" optional donation.
Organizer Melanie Bosomworth said that all students from Carstairs Elementary School and Hugh Sutherland participate.
"The younger students run on the one-kilometre path route," said Bosomworth. "There is a three- and five-kilometre option for the older students, which takes them outside and within the town."
Bosomworth said their goal is for every student to bring a toonie with proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society.
"The Terry Fox Run is important to us because Terry Fox is a legacy that students can be inspired by," she said. "We are all touched by cancer and it's important to give back, support those who are fighting cancer (like one of our local heroes and teacher, Mrs. Noren), remember those we have lost, and also to come together as a community."
In Didsbury, all three schools will run together on Sept. 28 starting at 2 p.m. Students will be leaving from the respective schools and running through downtown.
"We work with the three schools on that," said Westglen Middle School principal Carolyn Massel. "All of us get together to do it."
Massel said each student is encouraged to donate a toonie for the Terry Fox Foundation.
"The original goal was a dollar for each person in Canada," she said. "We adjusted for inflation. If everyone donates a toonie - that's $700 coming out of our building. If everyone gives a little we can make a big difference. We're trying to perpetuate Terry Fox's dream."
Cremona School has its run on Sept. 28 at 2:15 p.m. with all students from K-12.
"It is a fundraiser and the kids really get behind it," said teacher-organizer Shelley Robertson. "Every year we set a goal. This year our goal is $2,000. If we clear that goal then we get to have an afternoon where we get to watch a movie. We've never not reached our goal."
Anyone wishing to donate can go to the Terry Fox website and go to Cremona School.
The Terry Fox Run in Water Valley will be Sept. 17 at the Water Valley Community Centre. Registration goes at 8:30 a.m. with the run going from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 10-km route.
The Water Valley run is family oriented with no entry fees. Participants can run, walk or bike to raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research. For more information call Mary at 403-637-2458.
