Terry Fox Run raises over $12K

By Michael Riley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The 46th annual Terry Fox Run in Bancroft, held at the Bancroft Ridge Golf Course on Sept. 20, raised over $12,000, according to organizer David Coulas, and attracted over 60 walkers and runners. As in previous years, there was a three-kilometre and an eight-kilometre route. Coulas comments to The Bancroft Times on this year's successful event. 

The 46th annual Terry Fox Run was held in Bancroft this past weekend, at the Bancroft Ridge Golf Course from 9 a.m. to noon. It's held annually and is a non-competitive fundraising event held in Canada and internationally to raise money for cancer research. The run memorializes Fox, a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist who ran across Canada in 1980 to raise money for cancer research, despite having lost a leg to cancer. He tragically passed away from this terrible disease during this Cross-Canada Marathon of Hope. For more information on the run, check out www.terryfox.org. As of 9 a.m. on Sept. 20, they had reached 71 per cent of their fundraising goal, but that total is expected to climb in the days ahead. 

The statistics showcasing the impact of the nearly $1 billion raised for the Terry Fox Foundation over the last 46 years for cancer research is impressive; 94 per cent of children diagnosed with childhood cancers expected to be alive five years after diagnosis, 50 to 90 per cent of targeted therapies have helped nearly double the five year survival rate for melanoma, over 80 per cent is now the five year survival rate for certain cancers like breast, prostate, melanoma, thyroid, testis, and Hodgkins Lymphoma, cancer mortality rates are down 37 per cent for men and 22 per cent for women since 1988, the average survival rates for all cancers combined has increased from 25 per cent in the 1940s to over 60 per cent today (and up to 90 per cent in some cases), 

Last year alone, nationally $11.5 million was raised and about $16,000 was raised in Bancroft. Over the past 30 years, Bancroft has raised nearly $400,000, all of it going to cancer research, and the Town of Bancroft recently proclaimed Sept. 20 Terry Fox Day.   The year before saw nearly $44 million raised across Canada, which went toward 176 projects conducted by nearly 600 of Canada's leading cancer specialists. As Terry Fox said back in 1980, “even if I don't finish, we need others to continue. It's got to keep going without me.” That spirit and determination has been borne out in runs all across this country, not the least of which here in Bancroft. 

Leeyann was there with Leaf, Mike and Jenny and said they'd done the run every year since they were kids. 

“We're teachers, so we've done it with our schools, we do it every year,” she says. 

Celine Griffin was there with her daughters Clara and Charlotte, and said they come out each year to do the Terry Fox Run.

“It's tradition, we have to be here. They ran yesterday in Lakefield [nodding to Clara and Charlotte], they both ran the five kilometre [race],” she says. 

Coulas said a few words before the race, saying that together with the incredible team of volunteers he had the pleasure of welcoming everyone to the 46th annual Terry Fox Run for cancer research and thanked them for being there.

“Today we gather as a community united by hope, determination, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Through runs held in Bancroft over the last 30 plus years, this community has raised over $380,000, every dollar represents generosity, compassion, and the belief that better outcomes for people facing cancer are possible. Terry's legacy continues to inspire millions of people across Canada and around the world. Because of supporters like you, more than $1 billion has been raised worldwide for cancer research, funding innovative projects and helping researchers make important discoveries that are improving and saving lives. Two routes have been laid for you today. A three kilometre circular route starting at the clubhouse. The eight kilometre second route follows the same route then diverts to the heritage trail to the Y Road and then returns to the clubhouse. Washroom is available at Lot 10 just at the split between the three and eight kilometre loops. As we walk, run or roll our route together, take a moment to appreciate the people you are with, the difference you are all making, the lives you are saving. Share a smile, maybe even a high five or group photo together. Take pride in knowing that the spirit of Terry Fox has a home in this wonderful community and in the hearts of people that live here as we celebrate hope together on Terry Fox Day in the Town of Bancroft,” he says. 

Councillor Tracy McGibbon also said a few words on behalf of the Town of Bancroft, thanking all the volunteers, participants and supporters who made the run possible this year and every year. 

“In 1980, Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope with the goal of running across Canada to raise money for cancer research, despite having lost his leg to cancer. He ran a marathon every day for 143 days, covering more than 5,300 kilometres. Although Terry could not complete his journey, Canadians have carried it forward ever since. Today, we honour his courage, determination, and belief that one person can make a difference. Thank you for continuing Terry's legacy and good luck to everyone participating today,” she says. 

At that point, Coulas offered a doll called “Little Terry” to a young person who would carry it along the race route, a little boy named Sammy. Coulas explains its significance, saying that the first year he took over as chair, he attended a meeting in Toronto at the Terry Fox Foundation. 

“I was brand-new, keen, and stealing every idea I could. The ladies at the Terry Fox Foundation found it was my birthday and they gifted me this hand-made tiny Terry. I bring it every year and it helps to encourage young people's participation but also kind of keeps Terry Fox alive for the future generations of leaders in our community and beyond,” he says. 

Coulas then rang the bell that started off the race on Sept. 20, with the runners going first, followed by the walkers. 

Coulas told The Bancroft Times on Sept. 21, that this year's run was a hug success, and that donations continue to pour in for the iconic walking and running event. 

“We had 64 participants at yesterday's run and as of last night, have raised over $12,000. We are still looking for online donations so please feel free [to do so] at https://run.terryfox.ca/129697. Those numbers do not include the raffle we have going on for the one-of-a-kind hand made quilt. Those sales will close at the end of October.”