Keeping Terry's dream alive

Photo: Terry Fox Foundation

Kelowna's Terry Fox Run will have a special guest on Sept. 16.

Terry's younger brother Darrell, who accompanied his sibling on his historic run for cancer research in 1980, will be the guest speaker at the event, says organizer Norm Sabourin.

Terry Fox Runs have become a national tradition since Fox's Marathon of Hope came to a tragic end in Northern Ontario.

Fox, who lost his right leg to cancer at 18, covered 3,339 miles and crossed six provinces before having to give up the fundraising journey when the cancer spread to his lungs. He later died in a Vancouver hospital on June 28, 1981.

But not before his marathon raised $23.4 million. Since then, Terry Fox Runs have raised millions more.

“Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me," Fox said in 1980.  

Kelowna's event takes place at the Mission Sports Fields, and volunteers are needed. If you can help out before and on run day, email [email protected].

Donations can be made at the event or online at www.terryfox.org.

Cancer is still the No. 1 cause of death in Canada, and 82 cents of every dollar donated to the Terry Fox Run goes directly to cancer research.