In 2020 it'll be 40 years since Canada's one-legged icon, Terry Fox, strapped on his prosthetic leg and started his Marathon of Hope running across Canada to raise funds to fight cancer, the disease that claimed his limb, and ultimately his life.
It will also be the 36th anniversary of the local Terry Fox fundraiser in North Bay.
His legacy is so powerful, that still, to this day, young people and students want to join the effort, says Community Event Organizer Carla Tucker.
"I don’t think that anyone could really argue that Terry Fox was, and is still one of Canada’s greatest heroes. His story is inspiring because he was every one of us. He was in his prime when cancer hit and it could have devastated him but instead it lit a fire in him," says Tucker.
What's especially notable is the fact that this was long before our world became so connected with nearly everyone having easy access to information at breakneck speed.
"This was all before go fund me pages, and social media so he really did start this with so little fanfare and publicity. I picture him dipping his artificial limb in the Atlantic Ocean to start the run. Here we are, almost 40 years later and countless strides in research later and we are still honouring him. Those are the stories I hear every year from participants and volunteers," she adds.
Tucker has been donating her time to the local event since 2016, and says the incredible power of Terry's story and legacy definitely makes the event unique, in how it attracts new participants and volunteers.
"It’s funny actually, all of our new volunteers range in age every year. The younger ones though, seem to be interested in really getting involved outside of the run itself. The run to them is really just the crown on the work that they have been putting in all summer (to raise funds). Take Madeline for example. This young lady was inspired by Terry Fox’s story at school. Every year she hosts an extremely successful lemonade stand to raise funds," explains Tucker.
When it comes to participants, Tucker believes the community would be blown away if they knew of the passion of some of those who take part each year.
"We had an American this year who fell in love with our city as a child, and comes back every year to visit. As a survivor himself, he was inspired from afar by Terry Fox’s legacy, so much so that he started running his own marathons and was so thrilled that his visit coincided with our community run this year. We can’t wait to see him again!"
Finally, Tucker says they are looking for more helpers as volunteers or even as committee members.
"2020 will be the 40th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope and we can’t wait to celebrate. It will also be the City of North Bay’s 36th annual run. We have some big things planned and are always looking for more people to get involved."
If anyone is interested, the best place to connect is on Facebook.
This is one of a series of good news articles about "Helpers" in our community. To suggest a person, volunteer, group or an organization contact Mike Anthony at [email protected]
