SPECIAL EVENTS
Taking Terry’s dream on the road
THE WHOLE WORLD SUPPORTS TERRY'S MISSION
Merci! Dhanyavaad! Shukran! Gracias! Xie xie! Danke!
Thanks to Terry Foxers around the world for your amazing support!
Terry Fox Run events
the previous year
Here’s something you may not know about Terry Fox international events: The money raised almost always stays in the host country to support local cancer research. Here are just a few examples.
The Terry Fox Run in Mumbai supports researchers at TATA Memorial Centre. One study is investigating leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth that can lead to cancer). The team’s goal is two-fold: to identify high-risk lesions and to assess how tobacco and alcohol might affect the development of these lesions.
Staff at Four Seasons Hotels in Madrid and Mallorca held fundraisers in support of researchers at Spain’s acclaimed Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer and Fundación CRIS Contra el Cancer.
Funds raised across the UK support Dr. Chris Bakal and his team at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, England. Dr. Bakal is studying the biological switches that cause normal cells to change shape, become cancerous, and spread.
For 10 years, Matthew Reid has literally been pounding the pavement to raise money in Terry’s name. In 2015, he ran from Sydney to Melbourne (covering almost 1,000 kms over 3 weeks). Then he went from Sydney to Canberra (a 10-day walkabout). Last year, he stayed a little closer to home but still walked 50 km over 2 days. In all, Matthew’s efforts have raised more than CA$56,000 that’s being used for cancer research at the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Wrexham, Wales
More than 400 supporters came out for the very first Terry Fox Run in Wrexham, Wales. It was especially fitting that the Run took place on Thanksgiving and included our contest winners, Jennifer and her son, Shane, from Kanata; Fred Fox; and cast members from Welcome to Wrexham, a reality show that follows the exploits of the now-famous Wrexham Football Club. (The club is co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.) In addition to the Run, the weekend featured a fundraising pub night at The Turf (Wrexham AFC’s legendary home away from home), tours of the Racecourse (the stadium where the team plays), and a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving feast.
Extra-special thanks to our Wrexham supporters
- To everyone who entered our contest to win a trip to Wrexham.
- To the Air Canada Foundation who generously provided the tickets for our Jennifer and Shane to fly from Ottawa to the UK.
- To the people of Wrexham and Wrexham AFC for being such welcoming hosts and for fundraising almost CA$25,000.
Kate’s Team, New York City
Kate O’Shaughnessy was just 21 years old and studying at Queen’s University in Kingston in the fall of 2000, when she was diagnosed with melanoma. Juggling her academics and cancer treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Kate and a group of family and friends, participated in the Terry Fox Run in New York City. Her father pushed her wheelchair for most of the route, but as the finish line came into view, Kate was determined to walk across the finish line herself. She vowed to return the following year as a runner. Tragically, Kate passed away two months later. Like Terry, she was one month shy of her 23rd birthday.
For the past 25 years, Kate’s family, friends, and an ever-growing community of supporters have honoured her memory by taking part in the annual Terry Fox Run in New York City. Inspired by Kate’s strength and determination, Kate’s Team has raised more than US$350,000. Learn more about Kate’s resilient spirit at katesteam.org.
Mumbai, India
The largest Terry Fox Run in the world takes place in Mumbai, India. Participants enjoy a route that takes them along a lovely waterfront promenade to the local cricket stadium. In the words of one participant, “Lace up, show up and make every step count. This is your moment!”
CANCER HAS NO BORDERS. NEITHER DOES HOPE.
Terry’s message of hope and his mission to raise money for life-changing cancer research echo around the world. We are proud and grateful for the thousands of Terry Foxers around the world. Your support literally means the world!
Madrid
Hong Kong
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Chennai
Germany
England
RIDE OF HOPE
ON YOUR BIKES. GET SET. GO!
The Ride of Hope was started in 2015 by Terry’s younger brother, Darrell. This annual pedal- powered fundraiser embodies Terry’s fierce determination and continues to welcome new Riders and new Rides every year.
In addition to the official Community Rides, we invited you to create your own personalized Rides, called Ride Your Way. Families cycled through their communities, mountain biking clubs hit the trails, and fitness buffs on stationary bikes pedaled their hearts out in spin classes. We applaud your energy and enthusiasm, not to mention your impressive fundraising skills.
PEI
Thanks to Cycling PEI for bringing the Ride of Hope to the Island for the first time ever. More than 60 riders gathered on the grounds of the historic Alexander MacPhail Homestead to cycle one of three routes along the Island’s iconic red soil. Not only was it a spectacular day, but the riders surpassed their fundraising goal of $5,000.
Manitoba
In Winnipeg, 26 cyclists rode an ambitious 125 km loop from Assiniboine Park west through the neighbouring towns of Oak Bluff, Starbuck, Fannystelle, Elie, St-François-Xavier, Headingley, and back to Assiniboine Park. Whew! The riders are especially grateful to the Winnipeg Police Services who provided a police escort for the first 15 km through the City! And we’re grateful to the riders for raising $11,545.
MT. TERRY FOX TREK
Mount Terry Fox sits near the town of Valemount in the spectacular Canadian Rockies.
The Trek is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together hikers from across Canada. One of the things that makes is so unique and special is that every participant seems to bring a personal connection to Terry or to cancer. It’s not a requirement, it’s just something that seems to happen!
For our 10th annual Trek, 53 intrepid trekkers and 8 amazing volunteer guides got up bright and early only to discover the weather was not going to cooperate. In the words of one hiker, “It was the craziest rain I have ever seen…or heard!”
Out of an abundance of caution (not to mention an abundance of fog and sheets of rain), the Trek was cancelled. The trail is steep and even on a sunny day, the rocks can be slippery.
Fortunately, initial disappointment quickly disappeared as the hikers were rerouted to a safe, scenic trail along Kinney Lake, in nearby Mt. Robson Provincial Park. Everyone enjoyed the company, the views, and (especially) the warm showers after the hike!
Together, the Trekkers raised $23,683 – a new record! Extra special thanks to the amazing people of Valemount, Branch 266 of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the friendly folks at Three Ranges Brewery. You always go out of your way to ensure everyone has a safe, memorable weekend.
It’s emotional. It’s challenging. And it’s incredibly rewarding with many participants forming lifelong friendships. If you’re an experienced, confident hiker consider joining us next year. Visit our website for more details.
BREAKTHROUGHS THAT BRING NEW HOPE
Thanks to funding from the Terry Fox Foundation and other partners, the Terry Fox Research Institute invests in highly-collaborative, world-class scientific teams that drive innovation and fuel research discoveries that are saving and improving the lives of cancer patients across Canada.