Terry Fox Run returns Sunday
Mother-daughter team has been organizing local run for the last 20 years
The 35th annual Terry Fox Run returns to Nicholls Oval Park on Sunday morning, but that won’t be the only milestone anniversary associated with the event.
Mother-daughter team Sue Mason and Shannon McKinley will have co-organized the event - taking place for the 34th year in the city - for two decades.
“It’s a big anniversary year for us,” Mason said Wednesday.
Like so many others, her reason for becoming involved with the fundraiser for cancer research is a personal one. Mason lost her dad – and McKinley, her grandfather – to cancer at about the same time Fox ran his Marathon of Hope in 1980.
McKinley took part in events at her high school before volunteering with the city run.
Mason first helped out with the run while her daughter was attending Trent University. When McKinley wanted to continue to assist while she finished her education outside of the city, Mason stepped in again and never stopped.
Something she has enjoyed over the years is watching participants grow up. Many families take part in the Terry Fox Run every year.
“The kids who were (being pushed) in strollers are now collecting pledges on their own ... it’s like one big family,” she said.
The pair continue to co-organize the fundraiser because, since the event is entirely volunteerdriven, nearly every penny raised goes towards cancer research. “The money goes to the cause ... It’s amazing what can be accomplished with volunteers.”
The Fox family has been actively involved in ensuring the policies Terry supported have been maintained, Mason said. Before he succumbed to osteosarcoma in 1981, he stipulated that the event not have an entry fee so that is could remain all-inclusive.
Those who take part can run, walk, wheel or ride distances between one and 10 kilometres. “It includes everyone who wants to participate.”
Supporters continue to take part in the run every year because, while a cure has not been found, they do see the progress that has been made, Mason said.
Some cancers that were once a “death sentence” - such as that which claimed Fox’s life - are not longer so, she pointed out, adding that advancements in medical science have also made many cancer treatments less difficult to endure.
With the 35th anniversary of the run nationally, Mason noted how iconic Fox has become not only in Canada, but around the world.
“He never wanted the limelight. He wanted to see the suffering end,” she said.
This year’s fundraising goal is $35,000. The run raised nearly $20,000 last year and more than $173,000 when you include Terry Fox Run events at area schools.
The event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration can take place at any time, to allow flexibility for folks to manage their schedules, Mason said.
There will be an official ribboncutting at 9 a.m. including dignitaries and a celebration of community members who are battling or are in remission from cancer.
For the first time this year, the event will include a silent auction running from 8 to 11 a.m. Run-related apparel, such as T-shirts, will also be for sale. The city fire department will also be on hand with a truck from 10 a.m. to noon.
You don’t have to attend the run to support the cause, Mason added, noting that donations can be made at the event or online by following the links at www.terryfox.org/Donate/.
There is no entry fee or minimum donation. Participants can collect pledges or make donations. For pledge forms or to register a team, visit www.terryfox.org.
NOTE: For more information, follow the event on Facebook (Terry Fox Run 2015 - Peterborough) or on Twitter @TerryFox_ Ptbo, email sherry@nexicom.net or call 1-888-836-9786.
The kids who were (being pushed) in strollers are now collecting pledges on their own ... it’s like one
big family.”