Participation in St. Albert’s annual Terry Fox Run has been declining the last couple of years, but three decades after Fox died of cancer, local organizer Alan Luck is hoping to reverse that trend.
Figures from last year show that there were more than 200 participants who raised $6,319. The previous year’s showing of 220 people brought in just under $10,000. The year before that saw 300 people bring in slightly more than $15,000.
“We could always use better numbers,” Luck elaborated. “Whatever we can get, we can get. I’m happy with any turnout. What we raise is what we raise.”
He added that he always sees a core group of reliable faces helping to boost morale with their presence.
“If we could get that core group to just bring out another friend, then we could increase everything by maybe another 100 people,” he stated, adding that he hopes to bring participation back up to 300 people for the Sept. 18 run.
Despite the dwindling figures, he always relies on the elements to provide a healthy dose of late summer good weather to keep the crowds smiling.
“One thing that has been consistent for every year that I’ve done it … it seems that it’s just been a gorgeous morning. All the years, it’s just been beautiful for going for a nice walk around the Sturgeon trails.”
Since its inception, more than $550 million has been raised for cancer research in Terry's name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held locally across Canada and around the world.
The run has been held annually since Fox passed away in June 1981 at the age of 22. That came several months after he was forced to abandon his Marathon of Hope across Canada to raise funds for cancer research.
He was only 18 when he had his right leg amputated because of bone cancer. His 1980 run began in St John’s, N.L., but he was forced to stop after 143 days and 5,372 kilometres when cancer appeared in his lungs.
His mother, Betty, took up his cause after his death by founding the Terry Fox Foundation. From 1981 until her death earlier this summer, she toured the country, talking to people —including an estimated 400,000 school children — and helping to raise awareness about cancer as well as funds for research. She ended every speech with the words, “Never, ever give up on your dreams.”
Luck is still hoping to have a few more volunteers sign up to help with the organization and co-ordination of the event. If you’re interested, please contact the St. Albert Community Information Volunteer Centre at 780-459-6666 or check out its website at www.govolunteer.ca.
The 31st annual Terry Fox Run takes place in St. Albert on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. in front on St. Albert Place. You can participate either in a five-kilometre or 10-km walk, bike, wheelchair, run or rollerblade. Dogs are allowed.
For more information, visit the Facebook page at “Terry Fox Run - St. Albert” or go to the national site at www.terryfox.org.
