Tecumseh Terry Fox Attracts Thousands

By Clara Musca

Runners, bikers and walkers gathered at Green Acres Optimist Park in Tecumseh Sept. 15 to celebrate the legacy of Terry Fox and continue the fight against cancer.

The 33rd anniversary of the event attracted about 7,000 people, including Tecumseh mayor, Gary McNamara, and Windsor-Tecumseh MPP, Percy Hatfield. Jan Wright, who has been the coordinator of the run in Tecumseh for the past nine years, said that the turnout has improved.

“We’ve really grown the event by making it a family community event. You don’t have to be an athletic runner to participate” said Wright. “There’s a family who did a lemonade stand and raised about $2000” said Wright. “84 cents on every dollar goes directly to cancer research.”

Cancer survivors are encouraged to attend and wear the red t-shirts designed for them as a symbol of hope and determination. People were able to choose a 2 km, 5 km or 10 km route. The Terry Fox Run has spread to over 25 countries around the world. According to Wright, Cuba has the highest turnout (other than Canadian cities) with over 4000 people.

“Cancer has no boundaries, doesn’t matter what colour you are, what religion you are, it affects us all equally,” said Wright. “Terry Fox continues to inspire; people look at what he did, his determination, courage and everything he stood for.”

The Tecumseh walk began with people standing on the sidelines, cheering on the cancer survivors as they lead the way. Carol Bulych, lost her father to prostate cancer. “We find that at the end of the day we are overwhelmed by emotion and the stories that we hear. It’s definitely a day you can’t forget.”

For more information, and how to donate, visit www.terryfox.org.