LAKELAND - Forty years ago, Terry Fox ran his last mile in Northern Ontario. While there may be restrictions in place due to the COVID pandemic, people from across the nation are doing their part to remember Fox's legacy, while also raising funds to continue to fight against cancer.
This year's Terry Fox Run has been adapted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's a virtual event this year — One Day. Your Way," says Tina Skakun, one of the organizers of the Terry Fox Run in Lac La Biche, explaining that there won't be a formal run this year in the community due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the global COVID-19 health crisis, Skakun said the world-wide reach of Terry Fox's legacy will continue. Organizers urge any community member to donate to the cause or fill out a pledge sheet for activities they plan to do on Sunday.
"Go for your own run, or walk, or do some work around the house, and help to raise money for the Foundation."
In its local history, the Lac La Biche version of the Terry Fox Run is known for its community response. Each year, thousands of dollars are raised by local participants, contributing to the millions world-wide that the single day event tallies. Skakun says despite the absence of the actual run, she thinks the community will rally around the event as it always does.
"We've had very good community support over the years we have done it here. We've heard from people who participate in the run each year and they have said they will continue to get their pledges in this year and they are raring to go," Skakun said, adding, the virtual transition might even help to raise more funds and awareness.
"It's something unique — and that makes it stand out. I think the whole 2020 year is going to standout as 'a year to remember' — so this year's Terry Fox Run will be a standout event too."
Bonnyville
Since Bonnyville resident Evelyn Campeau’s son lost his battle to osteogenic sarcoma, the same cancer that Terry Fox was diagnosed with, she has been involved with the Terry Fox Run.
“He was very active and athletic and he lost his leg. His story parallel’s Terry,” she told LakelandToday.
Although the event has turned virtual in light of COVID-19, Campeau believes it’s still important to run, walk, or ride in honour of Terry Fox.
“I think it’s a really good cause and I don’t want to see it not happen at all,” she expressed. “We just thought we would stay with the protocols with what the foundation was saying, which is to do your own thing.”
This year, the run’s theme is “One Day. Your Way." The message encourages people to take part in the event in their own way.
“Normally, when they have runs, they do five, seven, and 10-kilometres. But, we always tell people to run or walk as far (as they want). Like if you just want to go around the block, it just counts if you’re getting out and doing something,” said Campeau.
The Terry Fox Run has been happening in Bonnyville since 1983 and participants have raised $106,000 during that time
According to Campeau, the goal this year is to raise $3,500 in order to beat 2019’s $3,385.
“I’m not sure how close we’re going to come to that this year, it’s kind of hard to tell,” she said. “We’re really hoping that people won’t forget about it because it’s not a traditional run.”
Campeau has seen upwards of 50 people walking, running, or riding their bikes at the Bonnyville event.
“There have been a few years when the weather is miserable and there weren’t too many (people) . . . It depends on the year, but it’s usually between 30 and 50 people depending on how it goes.”
St. Paul
In St. Paul, a formal run of sorts will still be held, and a 5 km route will be marked off on Sunday. The route will start at the St. Paul Rec. Centre, making its way throughout the southern portion of town. Local organizer Janna Zarowny says she will be on hand for a couple hours, keeping the route open from noon to 2 p.m.
Once again, people are encouraged to walk, run, bike, or complete the route in whatever way works for them, says Zarowny.
She says she will also have 40th annivesary t-shirts on hand in St. Paul for those interested in purchasing them, and will also be accepting donations throughout the two-hour timeframe, but also encourages people to donate online.
History
Fox lost his right leg to cancer when he was just 18 years old. A few years later, he would embark on the Marathon of Hope, aiming to raise funds to fight cancer.
"It was a dull day in Northern Ontario when Terry Fox ran his last miles," reads the Terry Fox website. That day was Sept. 1, 1980.
His marathon turned into a piece of Canadian history, and four decades later, Canadians continue to support the cause.
"For 3,339 miles, from St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada’s eastern most city on the shore of the Atlantic, he’d run through six provinces and now was two-thirds of the way home. He’d run close to a marathon a day, for 143 days. No mean achievement for an able-bodied runner, an extraordinary feat for an amputee."
Pledge sheets and donation information can be found at the Terry Fox Foundation's website at www.terryfox.org. Anyone wishing to donate to LakelandToday.ca writer Rob McKinley's Terry Fox pledge sheet can click here http://www.terryfox.ca/llbrobmck
