It’s a cause close to Nicole Ladeur’s heart.
“My favourite part of the Terry Fox Run in Squamish is seeing all those gathering together for Terry’s dream to work together to outrun cancer,” the chair of the Squamish Firefighters’ Association’s Ladies Auxiliary told The Squamish Chief. “We see entire families come out and run together.”
Every year, the firefighters’ association puts out a call for members to help assist with the run, and eight years ago, Ladeur added her name to the list. As she did so her friends and family were in her mind. Ladeur’s mother battled the disease and has now been cancer-free for six years.
“It was a no-brainer for me to get out and do my part to support Terry’s dream,” she wrote.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of that dream. Fox, after having one leg amputated, set out from St. John’s, Nfld. on a cross-country run to raise awareness about and money for the battle against cancer. He was 22 at the time.
Although Fox was forced to stop his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres as cancer had spread to his lungs, Canadians were moved and inspired to pick up his torch. He died but the legacy he left behind has raised more than $600 million for cancer research.
Fox’s passion continues to inspire children today, Ladeur said. She recalled in Grade 6 writing a book report about the heroic journey. Ever since, Fox’s life’s story has motivated her to do her best and think of others. “Terry Fox’s dream inspires me each and every day, and I can say that he is my hero.”
The Terry Fox Run has been taking place in Squamish since 1986, five years after the first memorial run was held a year after Fox’s death.
This year, the run will be held on Sunday (Sept. 20) at Brennan Park Recreation Centre, with registration in the southeast parking lot beginning at 9 a.m. The run starts at 10 a.m.
Last year the event attracted participants who came from as far away as Europe, Ladeur recalled. “They were on vacation and were determined to find a Terry Fox Run location close to the community where they were staying.”
It’s one of many inspiring stories that shines at the run. The event hosts a “Memory Wall” on which people can write messages regarding battles against cancer. The outpour of emotion is sometimes heart-wrenching and often uplifting, Ladeur said.
