Terry Fox Run Fundraising – Who Benefits?
Media Release - September 5, 2025
The 45th annual Terry Fox Run takes place in less than ten days. On Sunday, September 14, thousands of participants will walk, run, roll, or ride at a local Terry Fox Run to show their support for Terry Fox and his message of hope.
Terry Fox started a marathon against cancer. Together, we can finish it.
Terry once said, “It’s one thing to run across Canada, but now, people are really going to know what cancer is.” Today, everyone knows what cancer is. People have either experienced it themselves or know someone who is currently battling it or has already bravely faced it. 2 in 5 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Donating to the Terry Fox Runs support cancer research. Advancing cancer research saves lives.
Terry’s Team Members
Terry Fox Runs each year recognize cancer survivors and those living with a cancer diagnosis with a special red version of the campaign t-shirt. Affectionately known as Terry’s Team Members, these Run participants and fundraisers in their red shirts visually demonstrate the success that research brings.
The presence of red shirts on Run Day, of Terry Fox Run participants and fundraisers who have been affected by cancer, spread hope and keep Terry’s legacy alive. TTMs are the living proof that research works.
Susan Wenzlawski: “I wouldn’t be here without the research”
Susan Wenzlawski is a proud Terry’s Team Member. Susan says cancer has always been dominant in her family’s life so when she found a lump in her throat in the spring of 2019, she knew she had to get it checked right away. “I was waiting for the results of the biopsy, hoping a planned trip to Newfoundland with my mom to visit family was something I would still be able to do. After a bit of miscommunication with my doctor’s office, I was able to go on an amazing trip.” She continues, “Upon my return I learned the results, I had Thyroid Cancer.”
Susan considers herself fortunate as surgery was required but neither chemotherapy nor radiation would be needed. She will however need to be on thyroid medication for the rest of her life. “My doctor and I are always working to make sure that we have the medication right. I am very grateful to say I have been 6 years cancer-free. Having the wonderful support of my family and friends, and the love and care of my Heavenly Father, has made my cancer journey a little easier.”
Susan goes on, “I never thought of my cancer story as being an exciting one, but I do believe it’s an important one. It shows the years of cancer research is paying off. I know that the research is what saved me. The success rate for my kind of cancer is over 90% and that is absolutely because of Terry’s belief in needing cancer research.”
Susan is now able to pay it forward volunteering with the Winnipeg Terry Fox Run, helping to raise more funds for more cancer research. She is excited about this year’s Run theme, “It’s time we Finish It”
Research Works – And It Saves Lives
Anyone diagnosed with cancer today, is going to benefit from the fundraising that has been done the past 45 years through Terry’s Marathon of Hope and the subsequent Terry Fox Runs.
Giving to the Terry Fox Run, is giving to progressive cancer research. Research that has allowed for such vast improvements such as showing an over 80% five-year survival rate for some cancers, including breast, prostate, thyroid, testicular, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Just like cancer doesn’t play favourites, Terry Fox Runs are for everyone too. They are all-inclusive, non-competitive, family friendly events with a deep purpose.
Help support cancer research and allow more people like Susan to wear the red t-shirt. Join the Terry Fox Run. Visit terryfox.org to register and fundraise