"Even if I don't finish, we need others to continue. It's got to keep going without me." —Terry Fox.
'Finish it.' is the theme marking the 45th anniversary Terry Fox run, taking place on Sept. 14 in Cowichan. Every year since Fox first embarked on the Marathon of Hope, it's an event where communities across the country take the steps to continue Terry's dream: finding a cure for cancer. This is Mark Swannell's fourth year organizing the annual event in North Cowichan and its third year at Evans Park.
"We are bringing people together to celebrate Terry and to raise the importance of working together and bonding as a community for a just cause," said Swannell. "We just want people to take part. It's time to finish up what Terry started. In all the years I've been organizing this event I think this year's theme is the best yet."
To celebrate the milestone long time runner and cancer survivor Dominica Dorazio will be running 45km on the beautiful trail system of Cowichan on Sept. 13, a day before the event, to raise more awareness and funds for the foundation.
"She will be a guest of honour and will speak on the day," said Swannell.
Registration for the free, family friendly event will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the run at 10 a.m. Swannell said it will be very similar to last year with an array of activities and refreshments. It will follow the same 2 km route as last year with the option to do it a second or third time for those who want to get in a few more kilometres on the day.
"We want to make it accessible for all, so we have another route for those who may not want to do any of the slight angulations," said Swannell. "The perimeter of the field is about 1 km, so for those who are happy to walk around the field, it's actually perfect for those with mobility issues, wheelchairs, or strollers."
Swannell, who has lived in Canada for seven years, and teaches math at Queen Margaret's School, knows that when it come to community there is strength in numbers. This annual event is more than just taking the physical steps, but also taking the steps to fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Foundation. Swannell said there are 10 fundraising teams this year, some returning from previous years, including a QMS team captained by Swannell. Each year the school also has its 'Toonie for Terry' initiative where each student brings in $2. It can add up to making a difference quickly.
Donating a toonie is just one way that the students of QMS make a difference for the event as alongside eight volunteers from the community, QMS boarding students will help out with photography and marshalling some of the course while others take part.
"There will be over 50 helping out, which is so great," said Swannell.
What is also so great is that last year's event raised around $10,000, which Swannell wants to again match with the hopes of raising more. Donations can be made either at the event, or online at https://run.terryfox.ca/93065, and will continue to be accepted until the end of the month. Once again this year's event will see support from local organizations such as CEEVAC, Queen Margaret's School, Mark's Signs, Shawnigan Hills Parkrun, and the Duncan Dragon Divas who will once be arching their paddles for all participants to pass under.
Swannell said he has spoken to several residents who took part in the first Terry Fox Run held in the Cowichan Valley, and while they said it was still fresh at that time, everyone also knew exactly why they were doing it and how important it was as they supported their fellow Canadian in his dream to find a cure for cancer.
"To me, this event means that there is still work to be done, as his legacy is to find a cure for cancer," said Swannell. "I just try to be a small contributor to this huge and worthy cause."
