Rajkumarie Zavir recalls breaking down in tears after hearing an announcement about the death of Terry Fox over her high school P.A. system back in 1981.
“I was a kid. I didn’t listen to the news. But I remember as I was listening to it, tears just came down my face because I knew he was doing the run and I thought he would make it,” she said.
But little did Zavir know that 23 years later, the same disease would later affect the most important figure in her life: her mother, Joyce Singh.
Zavir was at the annual Terry Fox Run at Cedar Brook Park Sunday with her sister and niece, all as participants. For Zavir it was the first time. For Viveka Singh and Lalita Singh, it was their second year, in honour of Joyce, who died of ovarian cancer at the age of 67.
“Our team name is [called] bluebell because the bluebell represents everlasting love and consistency. That’s why we chose it in memory of her,” Viveka said.
They said they hoped Joyce would have been proud. The trio raised $775 dollars, which surpassed their initial goal of $300 dollars.
“We posted on Facebook and Instagram just to let everyone know where they could donate and spread the word,” Lalita said.
Terry Fox was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated at only 18 years of age. Fox chose to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Known as the Marathon of Hope, Fox had started his journey in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1980 but was forced to stop once he reached Thunder Bay, Ontario when cancer spread to his lungs.
Fox was awarded with various awards before his death in 1981, but most importantly, his legacy has touched many souls, and prompted an annual event held in September, The Terry Fox Run, in Canada and around the world, to raise funds for cancer research.
Rebecca Toda Worden has participated in the run for 10 years, as a participant, later as a team captain, and now, in her second year as event organizer at Cedar Brook Park. Her goal was always to build on what was here before.
“I try to keep tradition going and make sure everyone has a safe and happy run day. We seemed to have achieved that last year, so far this year as well!” she said.
She deems that what sets the Terry Fox Run apart from other organizations is that everything is “all volunteer driven and all donated”. None of the money raised goes to pay for refreshments, leaving a high percentage of every dollar donated to go towards cancer research.
The Terry Fox Run held at Cedar Brook Park has managed to raise $30,939.50 this year, surpassing last year’s mark.