Terry's legacy continues

Following his visit to Bay St. George on May 2 and 3, 1980, Terry Fox continued with his quest to run across Canada with his Marathon of Hope.

He was forced to stop while travelling through Ontario, 143 days after he began the marathon in St. John's, NL.

His cancer had returned, spreading to his lungs, and he died on June 28, 1981.

But Terry's quest to raise funds and awareness for cancer research continues.

The Terry Fox Run was established in 1981, and since then, residents throughout Bay St. George, the country and the world continue to raise funds for cancer research. The Terry Fox Foundation estimates almost $500 million has been raised across the globe in Terry's name and memory.

The foundation's website states the annual event takes place each September, generally the second Sunday after Labour Day, which reflects the time when Terry was forced to end his cross-Canada run and his fellow Canadians continued his dream.

Goldi Hallett has been chairing the annual run in St. George's for 20 years.

"It was part of my volunteer work and I just decided to continue on as long as I could," she said. "There's been cancer in my family, so it was an issue to help find a cure."

Goldi said she was overjoyed with the turnout and funds raised during the latest Terry Fox Run in her community, noting afterwards she received a special letter from Betty Fox, Terry's mother, thanking Goldi for her continued efforts.

"I hope to continue it for quite a while, if I can," said Goldi.

Laura Aylward and other residents helped organize an annual run in Stephenville for many years. While that particular run has since ceased, schools in the town all over the Bay St. George area continue to honour Terry with their own walks and fundraising events.

For more information about the Terry Fox Foundation, and to learn more about how to participate in the annual Terry Fox Run, visit www.terryfox.org.

editor@thegeorgian.ca