For the last four decades, Canadians across the country have been lacing up their sneakers by participating in their local Terry Fox Run.
While this year’s event — slated for Sunday, Sept. 19 — may look different, the goal is still the same and that is to help raise money for important cancer research.
The event, which marks its 41st year, will be virtual this year, uniting dedicated supporters from coast to coast to coast in neighbourhoods across Canada as they participate in the virtual ‘Terry Fox Run. One Day. Your Way.’
“Terry had to stop his Marathon of Hope 41 years ago when his cancer returned,” says Terry’s older brother Fred Fox. "He asked Canadians to keep on fundraising for cancer research without him so that his dream of finding a cure would one day be realized, and that is exactly what we need to do now.”
To help with the virtual format, fundraisers and donors will have access to a variety of new tools and technology to better support virtual fundraising efforts this year, including:
- A newly designed website loaded with downloadable content, engaging videos, interactive timelines, and fun activities available at terryfox.org
- A new Terry Fox Run mobile fundraising app available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play that allows supporters to easily raise more money by automating outreach across mobile and social channels
- Personalized QR codes for fundraisers across the country
- Text to donate functionality to support all fundraising efforts with options to give $5, $10 or $25 by texting ‘Terry’ to 45678
- Tap to donate stations in various provinces that allow users to give $5, $10 or $20, with payments made directly to The Terry Fox Foundation in support of cancer research
“It’s important to us that our amazing volunteers and donors feel supported and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Michael Mazza, executive director of the Terry Fox Foundation. “We are making it as easy as possible to participate in this year’s Terry Fox Run or to sponsor one of the thousands of individuals and teams taking part.”
The impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s health-care system and cancer care throughout the country has been substantial, noted Jim Woodgett, president and scientific director of the Terry Fox Research Institute.
“Cancer hasn’t taken a break and continues to deeply affect millions of people,” he said. “Perhaps not since 1980 have we seen such a dire need for cancer research to ensure we can combat the negative effects of disrupted screenings, surgeries, and interventions for years to come.”
All proceeds will fund innovative cancer research, including a bold new project called the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network — a collaboration of Canada’s best cancer researchers to accelerate precision medicine by sharing knowledge and resources, and building a new, accessible cancer data platform to deliver the best possible outcome for each cancer patient, no matter where they live.
For more information on how to get involved or to sponsor a runner in Newmarket, read more here.
