The Terry Fox Foundation is marking the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run, and Fisher Branch will be joining the nationwide celebration on Sept. 19. Both Fisher Branch Early Years School (FBEYS) and Fisher Branch Collegiate are hosting runs, inviting staff, students and community members to honour the Canadian hero.
Because there is no community-wide run planned in Fisher Branch, the schools are encouraging the wider community to participate alongside them.
At Fisher Branch Collegiate, the day begins with a short presentation in the gym at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Terry Fox Run. Afterwards, everyone is welcome at a community barbecue at the Fisher Branch Health Centre from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In the afternoon, FBEYS will host its run from 2 to 3 p.m. Teacher Shauna Smith said students have spent the week learning about Terry’s legacy and the importance of raising money for cancer research, especially in light of the foundation’s 45th anniversary.
“Informational and motivational announcements will be read over the intercom to spark enthusiasm and increase understanding. Students receive stickers — on which they can write down who they are running for — and tattoos on the day of the run,” she said.
Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, in St. John’s, N.L., running 5,373 kilometres in 143 days. He was forced to stop near Thunder Bay, Ont., when cancer spread to his lungs. He died on June 27, 1981. Since then, communities across Canada have carried on his mission, raising more than $900 million for cancer research through Terry Fox Runs.
Both schools are collecting donations. Students have been sent home with pledge forms, and contributions can also be made online at https://tffschools.crowdchange.net by searching for the school’s name. FBEYS has set a fundraising goal of $2,600, building on last year’s total.
Smith said students will enjoy special rewards along the way.
“Once we raise $1,000, the students will earn an extra-long recess. If we can get all the way to $2,600, a special celebration event will be planned for the students,” she said.
Carissa Robb, Terry Fox Foundation Manitoba and Saskatchewan director of community development, said she would love to see Fisher Branch eventually host a community run outside of school hours. Thousands of Canadians took part in their own community Terry Fox Runs on Sept. 14 in support of cancer research.
“Everyone has been touched by cancer in some form. Being a part of the Terry Fox Run means contributing to the cancer research that allows survival rates to increase each year and gives hope to so many people,” she said. “It’s about being a part of something bigger that has a real and personal impact.”
She invited anyone interested in hosting a run in Fisher Branch — or any other Manitoban community without one — to inquire with the Terry Fox Foundation by phoning 1-888-836-9786, visiting terryfox.org or emailing mb@terryfox.org.
“What we look for is passion. Someone who understands the importance of raising funds to support the research that will eventually put an end to cancer,” Robb said.
She noted that hosts should know where the run can take place and how to promote it, but the foundation provides support every step of the way, including how-to guides for organizing and handling donations.
“We are so close to making big discoveries in cancer identification and treatment. We need financial support to make it happen,” she said.
“Through the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, scientists and clinicians from across Canada — including in Manitoba — are sharing information, discoveries and data in unprecedented ways. The more money raised for cancer research, the better for all of us.”
