Mother Nature tried to put a damper this morning on the spirits of participants in this year’s Terry Fox in Barrie.
But rain didn’t seem to matter to the more than 1,000 walkers, runners, rollerbladers, baby carriage pushers — and even a unicyclist — who took in the 39th annual event at the Barrie waterfront.
Run chairman Michael F. McDougall says he was thrilled with the turnout at this year’s event.
“It was a great day, despite the weather,” he said. “We had five live bands, an aerial circus, the Georgian Cheer team as well special guests, including foundation executive director Ara Sahakian and Terry’s niece, Alexandra Fox.
“We also made a special presentation to Will Dwyer (who recently met his $1 million fundraising goal for the Terry Fox Foundation) of a framed print of Terry to show our appreciation for his amazing efforts,” McDougall added.
Michelle Helmond was there supporting her family and son, Jason, who has been on the Terry Fox Run committee for last few years as well as the flag co-ordinator for all of the world flags flying proudly at the event.
“We do this every year because my father and father-in-law both passed away with cancer so both of Jason’s grandfathers have been taken by cancer,” she said prior to the run.
“Fox has always been our hero,” Helmond said. “Jason has done head shaves four years in a row to fundraise for the foundation’s research. He’s raised more than $18,000 in the last four years for the Terry Fox Foundation.
“He’ll be doing it again next year and we’ve already lined up Fred Fox, Terry’s brother, to come out to the head shave,” she added.
Alex Robinson and family took part, along with their dog, Moxie.
“The Terry Fox Run is dear to our hearts and we know people who have unfortunately lost their lives to cancer.
“The run is something we want to participate in every year,” Robinson said. “What Terry Fox did for this country is amazing. It’s important for our family to keep the Marathon Hope going.”
Sandi Currie is a member of the Terry’s Team of cancer survivors and walked with other survivors.
“This event is so amazing; it raises so much money and Terry’s legacy just goes on for ever. He’s such a true inspiration to all of us,” she said.
“There has absolutely been progress in fighting cancer and the Terry Fox Foundation is probably the best organization in Canada, and probably in the world, because it is non-profit and based mainly on volunteers.”
