In 1980, Terry Fox set a personal goal to run across Canada to raise awareness and collect financial support for cancer research. With one leg amputated due to cancer, he ran an average of 42 km a day, the distance of a typical marathon. He faced his illness with courage and determination, however, Terry’s cancer spread to his lung and he had to abandon his run after covering 5,373 km from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario. In the summer of 1981, he succumbed to his illness one month before his 23rd birthday. Terry’s “Marathon of Hope” not only captured our nation’s heart and attention but it also captivated communities in countries around the world. We can each learn a great deal from Terry Fox and use his example of strength, determination and generosity as a focus in our everyday lives.
For the 18th consecutive year, the students and staff at Town Centre Private Schools have embraced Terry’s dream to find a cure for cancer and held our annual Terry Fox Run on the morning of Friday, September 22nd.
Students from Pre-School to High School participated in the name of Terry Fox and walked, jogged or ran in support of cancer research. At the Amarillo Campus, the students ran in the playfield and Gymnasium. At the Main Campus, the younger elementary students ran in the parking lot and our grade 7 to 12 students ran at nearby Highgate Park. Students, parents and close relatives supported the walk with generous donations and we are hoping to reach our goal of raising $10,000 this year for the Terry Fox Foundation.
Terry Fox’s memory and legacy continues to grow through student involvement and generous financial contributions, all the while fostering our school spirit and our commitment to “give back” to our community and support this worthy cause. Since 2006, TCPS has raised an amazing grand total of $237,709.24 for the Terry Fox Foundation.