At an event notable for its staying power, for its high percentage of donation dollars going to research, and for the inclusion of Terry Fox's miraculous story as part of Canadian lore, Algonquin seventh-graders Holden and Preston heeded the words of the event's namesake: "Anything is possible if you try."
I came across the two young men who were fidgeting nervously and glancing up and down Memorial Drive early Sunday morning. Always interested in the views of today's youth, I approached and asked for their thoughts on Terry Fox and if they were running for a friend or family member.
"There are these two girls, and they invited us to run, and we're best friends with them," explained Preston.
Holden quickly interjected, "We're best friends with each other, too."
"Everything is turning out pretty good," said Preston "except they haven't shown up yet."
Holden wasn't concerned about being stood up, saying "They said they'd be here."
While we talked, the boys peeked eagerly over my shoulder, keeping an eye out for their running partners.
Preston said he was running because "he is inspired by Terry Fox. He ran with cancer and for a long time."
Holden said that "he wanted to do this run because of how much endurance Terry Fox had. My grandfather had lung cancer, and he died of it four years ago."
As the clock crept toward the 8:30 a.m. start time, it appeared as though the boys would be running as a pair, not a foursome.
Speaking with organizer Carla Tucker prior to the event's start, she touched on the controversy surrounding fraudulent donation-seekers. "It's so sad that people take advantage. Unfortunately, the Terry Fox Run isn't the only organization that deals with this on occasion.
"We've tried desperately to get the message out that people are registering online, you can donate via the website, or by the app. Door-to-door is fine, but we prefer you donate to someone who you know is participating," advised Tucker.
Keeping in mind the spirit of the original Marathon of Hope, Tucker said, "The reality is, Terry Fox only asked for a dollar from every Canadian. So, it's not necessarily about raising the most money, but raising the most awareness."
To donate, click here.
The future of door-to-door collection could be nearing its end. Many charities are switching to strictly electronic transactions. The unfortunate part of the doorstep scamming is that it is often the elderly who do not use electronic banking who are duped.
After Tucker and Mayor Al McDonald spoke eloquently to the assembled bikers, runners, walkers and rollers about the importance of Fox's run, and the continuing impact the Terry Fox Foundation has on cancer research, the participants stretched in preparation for the event.
Preston and Holden appeared defeated, having suffered one of the many obligatory blows to a near-teenaged boy's psyche.
Suddenly, out of the morning mist off Lake Nipissing, the girls arrived and greeted Preston and Holden. Those two young men would have no problem completing the course Sunday morning, due not only to their youth but also to the fact that they were running on cloud nine.