The Terry Fox Run returned to Riverside Park in Kamloops this year after being held virtually since 2020 due to the pandemic. On September 15th, families and friends came together once again to show their support for a foundation held close to many across the Country.
Since 1985 Kamloops has hosted organized community Runs in support of the Marathon of Hope Foundation that Terry Fox started 44 years ago when he lost his leg, and shortly after, his life, to cancer. The Run in Kamloops took a brief hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. With many still hesitant to participate amongst large crowds of people, the Run was held virtually in 2022 as well. In 2023, due to lack of volunteers and organizers, the event was forced to fundraise online again. This year, with proper organizers and enough volunteers, the Terry Fox Run commenced once again bringing the community back together.
In an interview with Sue Steenson, one of the Run organizers this year, she mentions people were thrilled to have the feeling of community spirit back after the Run’s brief hiatus.
The Terry Fox Run is a fundraiser held close to Run organizer, Sue Steenson. Her inspiration and motivation to this cause dates back 44 years ago to when her mum was being treated for cancer at the same time Terry Fox started his Marathon of Hope. Steenson says her mother told her to “get her butt out there” and has participated in every Run she could since. Steenson adds that in her 40s she was diagnosed with cancer and thanks to the treatment from the research the foundation has done, is the reason that she is here now, and was able to raise her kids to adulthood. Steenson has also taught the Terry Fox Run in school to all of her classes as a teacher and has made sure everyone was involved and educated in its importance. Steenson comments that “bringing back this community event brings back the spirit of Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope. The whole message is hope and the Run, brings back hope.”
The Terry Fox Run is an important fundraiser across Canada, even with the Run’s hiatus due to Covid, the event was still deemed successful while being held virtually. In 2022, organizers tried to host the event, however only 96 participants volunteered. Even with fewer participants, the Run raised $25,280 for the Terry Fox Foundation. In 2023, the Run was left without any organizers and was forced to be held again virtually, however, even with no one organizing, and no actual Run held, the event still raised $11,775 towards the Foundation. Steenson mentions how even though this year the organizing of the Run started late, with little preparation time, they had 325 people participate, raising a total of $22,100.25. Steenson adds that the $4.25 cents was from a little girl that wished to remain anonymous.
In the interview with Sue Steenson, she reflects on the importance of continuing with the Run and educating young people on its history and importance. She states that, “Everyone’s life is touched by cancer, whether that be through a family member, friend or themselves who has dealt with the fear, sickness, and sometimes loss, that it brings. Terry Fox had a dream to replace some of that fear with hope. His vision was to support scientists and researchers with the funds they needed to learn new ways to deal with cancer, and his inspiration has made such a difference. In the 44 years of the Run continuing after he couldn’t finish, there has been significant improvements in diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for cancer patients. Chances of survival have gone up for some childhood cancers from 10-20% to 85-90%! Our young people need to know Terry’s story and understand the difference it makes if everyone contributes a little bit to support cancer research. We need the hope part of his Marathon of Hope to fight the pain and fear this disease causes. We need our younger generations to have role models like Terry Fox, to have actual examples of resilience and caring for others, to see what giving of yourself to your community can do in the world. While continuing to fund the innovative research that will one day end cancer”.
In terms of next year’s Run, Steenson says they have big plans for the fundraiser here in Kamloops. They are hoping to increase the number of corporate and workplace teams as well as getting small businesses involved in participating. Steenson notes that they are looking into some pre-events to promote on the day of the Run as well as a currently brainstorming for fun activities to incorporate for all ages at the park. The impromptu friends and family picnics afterwards gave Steenson some ideas as well for next year’s event. She also hopes to see an increase in fundraising next year, as previous years have seen a total of almost $50,000 raised. Steenson remarks how many participants commented on how good it felt to be doing something together once again, for a good cause.
This is a cause that helps everyone, and as Terry told us, $1 per person adds up pretty fast if everyone joins in.
Sources
All photo credits go to Sue Steenson ssteenson5@gmail.com
de Bruin, T. (2008, May 26). Terry Fox | The Canadian Encyclopedia. Thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/terry-fox
Terry Fox Run returns to Kamloops Sunday morning. (2024, September 13). CFJC Today Kamloops. https://cfjctoday.com/2024/09/13/terry-fox-run-returns-to-kamloops-sunday-morning/
The Terry Fox Foundation. (2013). The Terry Fox Foundation – A single dream. A world of hope. The Terry Fox Foundation. https://terryfox.org/
Don’t say ” In an interview with Sue Steenson, one of the Run organizers this year, she mentions people were thrilled to have the feeling of community spirit back after the Run’s brief hiatus.”
Say: “Sue Steenson, one of the Run organizers this year, says people were thrilled to have the feeling of community spirit back after the Run’s brief hiatus.”
Again, dont say: “In the interview with Sue Steenson, she reflects on the importance of continuing with the Run and educating young people on its history and importance. ”
Say “Sue reflects on the importance of continuing with the Run and educating young people on its history and importance. “XXXXX {quote}XXX”
Avoid quotes that are too long. Review the presentation on quotes.