In July 1980, I joined thousands of other citizens in welcoming Terry Fox to Scarborough Ontario, one of the stops along his cross Canada route for the “Marathon of Hope”. Like so many, I took time away from my usual activities to honour the young man whose courageous run ultimately attracted contributions exceeding $24 million and realizing Terry’s dream of “a dollar for every Canadian” by February 1981. His legacy, through the Terry Fox Foundation, has in the years since garnered over 715 million dollars and has led to important discoveries through cancer research.
Since 1980, I have participated in quite a few Terry Fox runs including two on Bowen: the first with my partner Fraser and our godson at his school, and the second last Sunday where I set out to walk (not run) as a proud cancer survivor! It felt as significant as ever. It was thrilling to see the thirty plus eager participants hit the trail from the Little Red Church, sent off in fine style to the skirl of bagpipes. Folks of all ages turned out - biking, running and walking - little hands holding big hands, walking poles in other hands – all buoyed by the clapping and cheers of volunteer route guides along the way. I was very moved when one runner, Carol MacKinnon, slowed to walk with me a ways and generously and unexpectedly placed her breast cancer awareness bandana on my head as I was sharing a bit about my survivor story.
Back at the church sincere hugs and stories were exchanged among the participants; there was coffee, and a delicious soup; and a chance to both contribute to the cause, and to sign the Terry Fox poster in honour of someone touched by cancer. The warmth of the event and its people stayed with me throughout the day, and called to mind once again the inspiring young man I was privileged to see and hear on that Scarborough day many years ago! Thanks to all the volunteers who organized and contributed to the Bowen Terry Fox Run this year - Mike Chisholm, Nancy Cox, Rose Marie Leverton, Carol Mackinnon , Shelagh MacKinnon , Shelia McCall, Tina Overbury and Mary Ann Zakreski .
Shelagh MacKinnon reports that The Bowen Run has raised almost $2000 in donations, with more coming in.
