By Jaeden Demelo

Community

Terry Fox Run has a big leap in participation at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park

Sep 15, 2024 | 2:51 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park hosted the city’s 44th annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday to raise awareness and collect donations for cancer research. Sylvia Masich was the lead organizer for her second consecutive year, and noted much growth in this years event.

“Last year, the run came together in less than two weeks and we had about 100 participants. This year, I’d say we’re pushing probably 300 participants, “said Masich during the event Sunday.

Not only did the number of participants triple, the donations they received for the Terry Fox Foundation also improved.

“For online donations, we’re over 5000 now and I have no idea how many donations we’ve had on site today. So we have crushed our fundraising goal,” said Masich.

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Every year over 3,000,000 people participate in the Terry Fox Run, but Prince George’s connection to the Canadian hero is something special.

“In 1974, my grandpa started the Prince George to Boston Marathon, and he was the one in 1979 who said, yes, Terry, you can run in this race.” said Masich on her family’s link to Terry Fox. “It’s here that Terry said, yes, I am ready to start my Marathon of Hope as early as April. To have that connection to a Canadian hero is something that we should all be proud about.”

Terry followed through on the realization made in Prince George and ran 5,373 kilometres over 143 days, before losing his battle with cancer at just 22-years-old.

“Cancer affects everybody. He really brought it to the forefront and didn’t make it a taboo topic to talk about because it wasn’t something you’d talked about,” said Masich on Terry’s impact. “He has inspired millions of people in the country and across the world to, to keep going and to never give up on your dreams.”

The Terry Fox Foundation has raised over 900 million dollars for cancer research over the past four decades, as Terry Fox continues to inspire and impact people in Canada and all over the world.

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Email: jaeden.demelo@pattisonmedia.com