Cochrane-area residents once again showed their commitment to Terry Fox’s enduring legacy, coming together on Sept. 14 for the 45th annual Terry Fox Run/Walk.
For many, it was more than a fundraiser — it was a chance to honour the young man who gave Canadians a message of courage and hope that still resonates around the globe decades after his death.
Hundreds gathered at the start line, some wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “Finish It,” a slogan marking this milestone anniversary of the Marathon of Hope. Each participant added their own steps to the 5,373 kilometres Fox ran before his journey was cut short by cancer. In Cochrane, as in communities across the country, the event was about carrying that dream forward.
“If Terry were here today, he would be proud,” co-chair Paul Cox told the crowd, drawing cheers from runners, walkers, and volunteers who filled the park.
His fellow co-chair, Leslie Hunt, said the turnout reflected the spirit of the town.
“We have such an amazing community,” she said. “Thank you for your amazing support in Terry’s name.”
The message clearly hit home. By the time the event began, more than $36,000 had already been raised for the Terry Fox Foundation, surpassing the community’s goal of $33,143.
Organizers expect that number to grow even higher in the weeks ahead as donations continue to pour in until Oct. 31. Contributions can be made at Cochrane Terry Fox Run | Terry Fox Run.
For many, the event was deeply personal. Cancer survivor Jennifer Maa shared her story during the opening ceremony, recalling her fight with leukemia in 1978 when she was just a child.
“As most of you know, cancer research in the 70s wasn’t very good and the survival rate for kids that had cancer was very slim to none,” she said.
Her parents, determined to give her the best chance, travelled from their hometown of Clearwater, B.C., to Vancouver General Hospital regularly for treatments. It was a long and costly journey, made possible by neighbours who stepped up to cover expenses.
“My parents got tremendous financial support from their little community and they raised funds for their gas, hotels and all the food they needed to go back and forth from Clearwater to Vancouver for my treatments,” she said.
The experience left a lasting mark. Inspired by that generosity, Maa’s parents established a Terry Fox Run in Clearwater, an event her mother went on to lead for 30 years. The Terry Fox Foundation recognized her with a plaque for her dedication.
“It’s now come full circle and I have my own family, my two wonderful kids, and our crazy dog. I wanted to give back and do more volunteering for the Terry Fox Run and all of what Terry has meant to us as Canadians,” Maa said.
Guest speaker Ken Larson, from Calgary, added his own perspective, reflecting on a friendship he developed with Fox during their time at Simon Fraser University. Larson was trying out for the basketball team when Fox, who had lost a leg to cancer, became the team’s manager.
The two bonded quickly, often shooting hoops together — Larson on his feet, Fox in his wheelchair. When Fox confided his plan to run across Canada, Larson admitted he was stunned.
“It’s always special to do anything in the memory of Terry Fox,” Larson said when asked to return to Cochrane by Cox. “It’s just such a special vibe and everyone here has either been touched by, or knows someone who’s been touched by this incredible ugly disease.”
Larson said his admiration for Fox’s character has only grown with time.
“He was so humble and so down to Earth. I’m a big believer that stress doesn’t build character, it reveals it, and the stress in his life revealed his character and his character lives to this day. I admire that,” he said.
“He has pulled everybody together across our nation. No matter your race, colour or creed, we’re all in this together,” Larson added, urging participants to carry Fox’s spirit forward. “Think of Terry, and think of other people in your life who inspired you, and just keep going. You’re OK. Finish it!”
The crowd also heard from young people inspired by Fox, including Andrea Raab, 17, who will represent Canada at the ITF World Taekwondo Championships in Poreč, Croatia, this October. She was among those invited to write a 45-word essay, one word for each year of the Terry Fox Run.
She wrote:
“Courage. Terry reminds me every single day that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. His determination through pain makes me feel less alone when life gets overwhelming. He showed me that courage isn’t the loss of struggle but moving forward with it, while carrying hope.”
The opening ceremony was emceed by Judy Stewart and featured remarks from Cox and Mayor Jeff Genung, who praised participants for carrying on Fox’s vision before cheering them on at the start line.
From cancer survivors to athletes, from longtime supporters to first-time runners, the gathering in Cochrane was one of countless reminders across Canada this weekend that Terry Fox’s dream is still alive.
