Terry Fox Run Marks 35 Years

Cathy Bush

On Sunday September 20th, the annual event was held at Nichols Oval in Peterborough. This is my 7th year to attend this special and memorable event, and I look forward to it every year. This park is such a picturesque place with the look and feel of autumn. On this day the weather was perfect with lots of sunshine helping to warm up the day and a nice breeze making it just right for me. Good music was provided by a Peterborough radio announcer. I very much enjoyed the warm up exercise song by Bruno Mars called “Uptown Funk”! This music was very energizing indeed! A huge number of people of ages came to participate. The air was full of anxious chatter and a feeling of much eagerness! So there were many of us who made our way to the start and finish marks at the paved oval, and where Sue has everyone yell out letter by letter TERRY FOX!

Then the ribbon is cut and then we were on our way, on whichever route you chose! New this year was a silent auction. The Peterborough Fire Department brought in a fire truck which extended its ladders and lowered its bucket onto the grass so that anyone could stand in it and be shown how it works. Children received a small plastic red fire hat and enjoyed getting into the bucket with a uniformed fireman.

This is the 20th year for the co-organizers, Sue Mason and Shannon McKinley, who are a Mother and daughter pair. Sue had all her Terry Fox t-shirts hung up on display as well as a giant scrapbook which included 20 years of photos and clippings, which were all plastic coated. I thought this was a fantastic idea, and enjoyed looking through it. As usual there were lots of donated snacks and drinks. You could have as much as you wanted and picnic tables to sit, rest and visit.

As Sue says “It’s like a big family and friends reunion every year”. Terry Fox t-shirts could be purchased and I bought one and wore it proudly for the rest of the day. The other Terry Fox items available included a memory card which you write who you are walking or running for which could also be worn. I was there for my Mother and Aunt and other relatives who have lost their battles with cancer. I was also there for friends and relatives who are survivors and are currently receiving treatment. I also thought of my son who is a cancer survivor! In his case I feel that am a survivor of sorts as he was too young to remember the worst part of it.

So, yes, my emotions run high on this day, as they always do. I wish to say “Thank you” and give high fives to the co-organizers Sue Maso and Shannon McKinley, and other family members, and their crew of helpful, friendly volunteers for making me feel so welcome this year and for all years I’ve attended. Thanks to everyone who attended for helping make this a memorable day!

OH, WHAT A FEELING!

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