Running for Hope

13 September 2012Joanna L

“ Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” ~ Terry Fox

The Terry Fox Run is an annual tradition that draws remembrance and excitement in the Brentwood Community. Every year Brentwood, along with the rest of Canada, honors the legacy of the Terry Fox Foundation by participating in the run and giving donations to help cancer research.

Just like the students at Brentwood, Terry Fox embraced athleticism with passion. An avid basketball, rugby and soccer player, Fox, despite the hopes of his high school teachers, initially shunned running. But this was to change in April of 1977, when he was diagnosed with bone cancer.
 
Surpassing all expectations, Terry Fox was back walking within three weeks of his amputation and his determination and courage were what drew him to run across Canada as a magnet of hope for cancer research.

While Brentwood doesn’t quite take running to the same lengths as Terry Fox did in 1980, we still try and give back through the run, adding a little fundraising of our own.

Last Sunday, Brentwood students, teachers, alumni and parents took to the streets of Mill Bay for the annual run. There was a buzz in the air as the students and faculty gathered on Gillespie Field. Tattoos bearing the simple message of "courage” were passed around as Brentonians donned customizable stickers to honor friends and family members.
 
Decked out in multicolored sports gear, the Brentwood Community showed their support by running, walking or riding along Mill Bay Road. I was happily surprised at the stream of encouragement that I heard between the students and teachers as they passed each other, the smiles in the red puffed faces, and the energy showed by all who attended. Even those who couldn’t run were put to good use manning the water stations with Mr Johnston and Mrs Widenmaier.
 
At the finish line, all were greeted with a smile, a clap on the back and a big glass of ice water to cool down. Despite tired expressions and some sore legs around the place, most finished happy and hungry: nothing a trip to the Crooks Hall for Sunday subs couldn’t cure.

The run may have been painful at times, but it is certainly something that demonstrates great participation, and binds us together through a common goal.

The day before the run, Mr Garvey spoke movingly about how Terry Fox had passed the torch of hope and encouragement to the world in regards to cancer research. Just like the school motto of De Manu in Manum, it has become our job to spread the message that Terry Fox ran so hard for.

So keep spreading the fire, Brentwood; passing the torch, and keeping the flame alive.

Joanna L