The 44th Annual Terry Fox Run in Water Valley made our goal by raising $10,500 for cancer research with the great efforts of the 42 participants who went all out to make another year a success "No Matter What."
Last year’s total to date since 1989 was $227,182 and this year will bring us closer to making the $250,000 goal we hope to reach next year. You can make donations all year long and there are special memorial cards available to honour family members and friends.
The new limited edition t-shirt spokesperson Ryan Reynolds commented the motto of “No Matter What” acts as a reminder of Terry’s strength, courage and perseverance and is meant to inspire everyone in their own lives.
This year the weather was perfect for the fall stroll or run along the beautiful backroads and runners marvel at seeing wildlife, cows, horses and fields of grain and the fall colours along the way.
Although our numbers were down somewhat it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the faithful who come each year to make their contribution for cancer research.
Before the walk we added the names of friends and loved ones lost to cancer, dealing with cancer and cancer survivors and pay tribute to their lives on the Memory Board.
Volunteers from the Water Valley first responders, Will and Jeremy, drove their trucks on route to keep people safe.
After the run, people stopped for a hot dog and some homemade baking and to share the comradery of the day. Several people stopped by to drop off a donation as well.
There was a walk down memory lane by looking back on past run poster boards filled with pictures from past runs of 2012 to 2023. It was especially cool to see the changes in families from strollers to bikes today and the various weather we had over the years.
Many of us have never missed a year but still do their walk somewhere else if we can’t be here! The Friends of the Fox group came through again raising $3,320 to add to our run totals. Online donations are proving to be popular as well. If you missed the run you can still donate to the website http://run/terryfox.ca/watervalley.
Also the schools will be having their Terry Fox Run this week so grandparents get out the checkbook and keep our young people involved. They are the future to keep this dream alive from a young man who has inspired the world. Terry Fox is known the world over and there are Terry Fox Runs and school events in over 30 countries.
The Terry Fox Foundation is known for their integrity that all funds are to go for research projects and enable scientists to continue to work for all types of cancer. The foundation continues to be a leading national investor in cancer research, directing $17 million to programs in 2022-23. There are 97 cancer research projects with 352 funded researchers in 138 Institutions across Canada and globally.
One new project, led by Dr. Lindsay Rowe, radiation oncologist at the University of Alberta, is specializing in a new cutting-edge imaging technique called PSMA-PET scan for prostate cancer diagnosis.
Using tracers injected into the bloodstream prior to imaging, it shows the cancer cells more accurately than the conventional MRI or CT scan. This method will allow oncologists to be more precise in treatments such as radiation.
Dr. Rowe is hopeful everyone will soon be able to access this technology once clinical trials are done. There are currently 700 patients in the trial across Canada and the outlook is very promising.
When we make a donation, no matter the amount, we are doing our part to continue the goal of a cure for cancer through research projects like this and in that we will have had a part in it.
Next year will be the 45th Anniversary of the run so we are inviting a reunion of all past participants and family units and teams to come and make it the best year ever. We hope to see you there!
Mary Thomson volunteer coordinator Water Valley Run AB1188,
Water Valley
