More than 30 people of all ages attended Sunday's Terry Fox run in Sundre, raising more than $1,200 for cancer research.
The number of participants and the amount raised is the highest for the Sundre event in years, say longtime local organizers and participants Deb and Terry Leslie.
Participants walked, ran and rode bicycles, skateboards and other means, enjoying fine late-summer weather.
Many of the participants have personal experience with cancer or have family and friends impacted by the disease, says Deb Leslie.
“It's touching so many families and so many kids can say an aunt, an uncle, a grandparent, a sister, a brother or someone else they know has been impacted,” she said.
Terry added: “Terry Fox's dream was that cancer can be beaten, so all of the folks who came out today were doing their part to make that dream a reality.”
As in past years, the 2012 Terry Fox Run in Sundre was an opportunity for people to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to celebrate those who have survived, he said.
The Sundre Terry Fox Run marked its 30th year in a row on Sunday, something Terry Leslie says is a tribute to the Sundre community spirit of giving.
“One of the things that's happened is that as the next generation becomes more and more aware that it is making a difference,” he said.
Cancer survival rates have climbed markedly in Canada since the early 1970s, in part due to research funded by Terry Fox runs and other fundraising efforts, he said.
Terry Fox runs were held in more than 770 communities in Canada this year, as well as in 26 other countries. More than $600 million has been raised to date.
The National School Terry Fox run will take place on September 27, and will as in past years include Sundre River Valley and Sundre High School students, teachers and staff.
