The number of participants in the annual Terry Fox run was down a bit this year — to 35 from the normal 50 – but those who did come out were enthusiastic.
Roughly $6,715 was raised for cancer research this year in Olds, adding to the over $600 million raised through the run since its inception in 1981. The Terry Fox Foundation supports more than $20 million in research work yearly in Canada.
Lori Bradshaw, who participated in her first Terry Fox run this year, said she believes in the run's objective and likes the fact that it raises funds for all types of cancer research. Although she has participated in events to raise funds for breast cancer in Red Deer, nothing has the impact of the Terry Fox run, she said.
“What I like about the Terry Fox run is it hits all cancers, not just one,” she said.
Bradshaw's mother Wilma lost a five-year battle with thyroid cancer that eventually spread throughout her body. But Bradshaw said without the money that is raised for research through the Terry Fox Foundation, her mother would not have been able to access as many experimental treatments as she did at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.
“That's why I believe in research,” she said.
Kevin Challoner, his wife Paige and their three children Ella, Talia and Cai also participated in this year's event in Olds.
Challoner said he thinks it's important for younger children to understand what Fox did and to support the run.
“It's a little disappointing to see the numbers down, but I think it's important to continue it on. We're trying to pass that along to the kids, make sure that they are aware of why it's important. I think we need to do what we can to keep it in the forefront,” he said.
Local schools will hold their own Terry Fox runs on Sept. 26.
