Preparing For the Terry Fox Run

14 September 2015Ms Sarah Hall; Photo by Patricia P, Mackenzie '16

35 years ago Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope. This was a marathon that moved a country because Terry, although all odds were stacked against him, refused to give up. On Sunday September 13th we will continue the tradition of participating in the Terry Fox Run. This is an event we have been very proud to run from the beginning. There is an opportunity for everyone to be involved in this day. If you are unable to run or bike, please speak with your House Captain tonight and meet Mr. Carr and me in the McNeill Centre at 10:30 sharp tomorrow morning to help set up the day. There will be donation bins going around each house and I encourage everyone who is able to contribute. Money raised by the Terry Fox run goes to Cancer research and looking out in this crowd is sadness me to think that each one of you has probably – in some way – been effected by cancer. Contributing to the donations is contributing to cancer research. Hopefully with our help, our loved ones affected by cancer have a chance to win their battle. Brentwood’s tradition of participating in this run thrived for the past 35 years because of the dedication of Mr. John Garvey. Taking over this role I’ve been told I have big shoes to fill, and I feel how big they are standing up here. Last year John spoke about how he felt when he heard about Terry’s passing. As I was not around when Terry passed this message hit home more than usual. Terry Fox was 22 and wanted to raise enough money to bring an end to cancer. Although he was in pain and running a marathon every day he was dedicated to his message – that there is hope if we all come together. Tomorrow is not about being the fastest – it’s about finishing. When Terry Fox set out on his run across Canada he did not stop until he physically had to. We as a community need to take this message from Terry push ourselves. If we able, we must all finish. The Terry Fox run is more than a run, it is a message, a message we give ourselves – our families – and our communities that we will stand by Terry and run until cancer research brings an end to cancer. For those of you who do not know Terry’s story it is one that truly inspires. In March of 1977 Terry discovers he had osteogenic sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Within days or receiving this news Terry’s leg was amputated six inches above the knee. The months following Terry underwent chemotherapy treatment for about 16 months. In April of 1980 Terry’s Marathon of Hope began as he dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean in the hopes of reaching the pacific. It is incredible to think that Terry average 42 kilometers (26 Miles) a day. Some of you in this crowd will build up and train to run a marathon. Terry, on one leg, was running a marathon every single day. In September of 1980 after 143 days and 5,374 kilometers Terry was forced to stop running. His cancer had spread and now was in his lungs. He still promised to fight and never give up and Terry truly never lost hope. He started the Marathon of Hope and it is up to us to continue it. In June of 1981 Terry Fox passed away but his dream lives on. We live in a busy community and often face many different obstacles. The message we can take from Terry is to believe that we are capable of anything. Obstacles are presented but it is how we handle these obstacles that will truly show what kind of person we are. Will we crumble and complain? Or will we rise the challenge and embrace the difficulties ahead with Terry’s attitude. Think of those who have been affected by cancer. Run for them, run for a cure and never give up. We are running 5 kilometers tomorrow – Terry Fox ran 42 kilometers every day. In Thunder Bay on his last leg of his race Terry said the following, “That’s the thing about cancer. I’m not the only one, it happens all the time to people. I’m not special. This just intensified what I did. It gave it more meaning. It’ll inspire more people. I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try. When I started this Run, I said that if we all gave one dollar we’d have $24 million for cancer research, and I don’t care, man, there’s no reason that isn’t possible. No Reason” We will conclude today’s assembly with a short clip of Terry’s journey. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow, run for a cure, run for Terry and never lose hope. Thank you. Ms Sarah Hall

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