Terry Fox was 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and had his right leg amputated above the knee.
To help combat cancer across the country, Terry decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He called his journey the Marathon of Hope, and he began his run in St. John’s, N.L., on April 12, 1980.
Memorial University run
To honour his legacy, and to raise funds for cancer research, Memorial University students, faculty and staff will circle Long Pond on the St. John’s campus on Wednesday, Sept. 28. It is the fifth year Memorial will participate in the Terry Fox Run, an event that originated from Simon Fraser University, Terry Fox’s alma mater.
The Terry Fox Run is a collaborative project involving the Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute, which work with representatives from participating post-secondary institutions. Almost every province is represented, with approximately a dozen universities committed including Memorial University.
“Funds raised by this event actually fund one of the Terry Fox Research Labs right here on Memorial’s campus.”
Remembering Charlie MacDougall
Memorial’s run will welcome a special guest this year, Chris MacDougall. Mr. MacDougall’s 11-year-old son Charlie was diagnosed with the same cancer that Terry Fox had. Charlie died at the age of 14.
In his memory, and to support cancer research, Mr. MacDougall began a bike ride across Canada on July 24. His journey began in Vancouver, B.C., and will finish in St. John’s at the Terry Fox Memorial at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 28. Mr. MacDougall will then participate in the launch of the 12 p.m. walk/run on the St. John’s campus.
“It would be great to see those who have some time on Wednesday to run or walk and be part of this event that can bring Memorial together as a community,” said Travis Myers, residence life advisor.
“Funds raised by this event actually help fund Terry Fox Research Labs, like the one right here at Memorial. Every year, it is so great to see the university community come together and participate in this event. Students, faculty, staff and retirees have been so supportive of this initiative and we want to ensure we continue what Terry started more than three decades ago, right here in St. John’s.”
In past years, the event has drawn between 100-200 participants, depending on the weather.
This year, in order to accommodate varying schedules, the event has two start times, 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
“If you happen to miss the one at noon, come by at 1 p.m. while we kick off the event again,” said Mr. Myers. “Also, for those who cannot take the time to complete the run/walk, we invite the university community to come to Paton College and have lunch at the charity barbecue that will be available by donation.”
Event Details
- Wednesday, Sept. 28
- Registration opens 11:30 a.m. at the Memorial Tower, University Centre (you can also register online)
- The run/walk has two start times, 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
- Run/walk/wheel route: Start at Memorial Tower; continue around Long Pond; finish at Paton College
- Meet at the finish line for a barbecue by donation in Paton College Square from 12-2:30 p.m.
For additional information about this event, please contact Travis Myers or visit the event page.
