Canada’s icon, Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope across the country in 1981 was remembered at CFB Shilo on Sept. 19,  held to raise funds for Cancer research.  (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

More than 500 community and Canadian Armed Forces members celebrated the life of Canadian Cancer icon Terry Fox when they gathered to raise awareness of the deadly disease and contribute to fundraising efforts at CFB Shilo on Sept. 19.

Participants had the choice of completing their own Marathons of Hope with mini runs, a 2.5 kilometre run, 5 km and a 10 km run around the Base.

Base Command Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Nguyen opened the fundraising event, which garnered just less than $340 donated to the Terry Fox Foundation.

“… It’s our 43rd year, here at CFB Shilo running the Terry Fox Run,” LCol Nguyen said.

He said, as someone who was born and raised in Manitoba, the province where Terry Fox was born, he has always felt a deep connection to the Cancer champion and his Marathon of Hope story.

Terry Fox started the Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980 with the dream of just one dollar from every Canadian donated to aid efforts in Cancer research. He surpassed his goal before his death on June 28 1981.

According to the Terry Fox Foundation website, more than $850 million has been raised since he had to relinquish his personal marathon after running 5,373 km across Canada when Cancer returned to his lungs.

“His courage, dedication and unwavering belief in making a difference continue to inspire generations … Today you are not just running out here or walking the route, you are carrying forward Terry Fox’s legacy of hope, resilience and unity,” the LCol Nguyen

“This run is more than a tribute. It is a powerful force for change. Every dollar raised here goes directly to funding innovative cancer research across Canada. It supports scientists working on better treatments, from early detection to ultimately finding a cure.

“Terry believed that ordinary people could achieve extraordinary things. You are proving that today … Let’s honour Terry’s legacy today with every step you take.”