Terry Fox made his commitment 44 years ago — we can make ours today

If you have looked out your window today, April 12, 2024, you have likely seen a rainy, windy day, one that is cold for this time of year in Niagara.

But not nearly as cold, rainy and windy as in St. John’s, Newfoundland 44 year ago, when Terry Fox dipped his foot in the Atlantic Ocean to begin his marathon a day. He would cover 5,300 kilometres over 143 days before cancer returned, putting an end to his goal on Sept. 1, 1980. Fox died on June 28, 1981.

Before he died, Terry Fox had a story, which has since been shared with millions of people. After treatment for cancer that led to the loss of one leg, during which he saw the suffering of others in the cancer ward, including children, he decided he would run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. And for all he accomplished on his selfless and inspiration journey, and in the years that followed, he became a superhero, known as one of the greatest Canadians of all time.

Niagara-on-the-Lake has become known for its successful September Terry Fox runs, thanks to Joan King, who took over organizing the run in 2007, and to Joe Pillitteri, who created Team Pillsy, one of the top 20 team fundraisers out of 3,980 teams across Canada.

Last year, Team Pillsy raised $50,000 for the annual run. He also held his annual comedy night, which has become a popular tradition in town, bringing his team total to $188,792.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, with a population of about 20,000, raised a total of $248,523 for the Terry Fox Foundation in 2023.

And last year, NOTL was number two of all municipalities in Ontario with its fundraising success.

This time last year, Pillitteri said his goal was for Team Pillsy to reach or top $500,000 raised for cancer research since its inception in 2012, and this year he will be again be working hard toward that goal. The well-known comic in town gets choked up when he talks about the inspiration he derives from Terry Fox, and isn’t likely to quit even when he does.

We all have stories that the annual Terry Fox Run brings to our minds. Ask anyone who is battling cancer, is a cancer survivor or has someone close to them who has faced cancer, and they have their own stories to tell, emotional stories that end in tears, whatever the outcome.

And we all have an opportunity to be able help our stories end well.

Every year, King encourages people to join teams that bring friends and family members together for the Terry Fox run, to enjoy the sense of community that comes with accomplishments as part of a team. And like Team Pillsy, it offers a way to raise more money for the Terry Fox Foundation.

But she also reminds us that Terry Fox ran alone, and look what he accomplished!

“Every one of us can make a difference,” she says, whether alone or as part of a team.

Today, announcing the opening of registration for the 2024 run, Darrell Fox said, “Joining my brother Terry on his Marathon of Hope in 1980 and witnessing his unwavering courage and perseverance has remained one of the most memorable and profound experiences of my life,”

Darrell, senior advisor for the Terry Fox Research Institute, continued, "Terry's story is a great source of inspiration for many people around the world because of his incredible determination to achieve ambitious goals, help others, and make a difference by raising funds for cancer research, no matter what.”

The Terry Fox Foundation is asking Canadians to register today, to start fundraising for the 44th annual Terry Fox Run, and to share their commitment to the cause on social media using the hashtag #NoMatterWhat, this year’s theme for the run, tagging @terryfoxfoundation.

Let’s think about how we can help make a difference.