Inspired by Terry Record-breaking year for Paris Terry Fox Run

By Casandra Turnbull

It was an emotional yet positively uplifting day as residents gathered last Sunday for one common cause: to help find a cure for cancer.

The annual Paris Terry Fox Run took place on September 15th and this year’s event was outstanding, say organizers. A total of around 150 people participated in the Paris run, raising a record-breaking $19,000 (and counting) for cancer research.

The Paris walk was one of nearly 600 Terry Fox events that took place globally last weekend, accounting for more than 80,000 Canadians coming together to continue Terry’s marathon. Terry once dreamed of a day where every Canadian would donate $1 to cancer research; now, that $1 is closer to $3.82 and his marathon of hope is very much alive and well 44 years after he first dipped his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean and started a dream that we carry on today

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“It’s just so exciting! To have so many people come out for the same cause We were beyond thrilled with the turnout, and the generosity of our community. It’s such a hopeful day, even with the tears,” said Kiley Cruickshank, coorganizer of the Paris run, alongside her sisterin-law Melanie Chmelik The duo has organized the run for the last 11 years, fine tuning the details year over year and watching es as the event and local interest continues to grow. Sunday’s marathon of hope evoked emotions from everyone who attended Cancer is a devastating illness that has touched so many people, whether directly or indirectly. Ahead of the 11 am start, you could see the emotion in people’s embraces as they shared stories and tears, remembering lost ones and championing those who won the battle It was hard to hold back the tears when two special speakers took to the microphone to share their personal stories and encourage walkers and runners to continue to fundraise to

Clayton Easton, pictured left with his daughter Emily’s special wheelchair. Clayton and Emily always participated in the Terry Fox Run. She passed away this year from cancer. Clayton spoke of her resilience before this year’s run. Above, Heidi Wright and family, alongside an army of Team Gary supporters. Gary wright passed away this past July from cancer.

Top photo provided by Heidi Wright, all other photos by Casandra Turnbull find a cure, so no other families must face the devastating effects of this illness.

Heidi Wright, supported by her daughters and an entire army of Team Gary supporters, shared how hard this year’s walk would be without her soulmate by her side. Gary Wright passed away from brain cancer in July after a nearly three-year long battle. She noted how similar both Gary and Terry were in their determination to fight in the face of adversity and raise thousands of dollars for cancer research in the process

Clayton Easton’s heartache was also very fresh as he delivered a passionate speech about his daughter, Emily, who passed away in April from cancer. Forty-year-old Emily had Cerebral Palsy and despite her immobility, she participated in the Terry Fox Run for years, her dad pushing her in a special wheelchair along the route Clayton pushed Emily’s empty cart, a visible reminder that cancer knows no bounds, throughout the 5 km route on Sunday, looping back around a second time to complete the full 10 km run. When walkers, runners, cyclists, and even the youngsters on scooters completed the course, they gathered at Paris District High School for some pizza, refreshments and cake “We cannot host this event without the help of our community businesses,” shared Cruikshank. “We are so lucky to be able to provide refreshments to our participants because of Jays No Frills, the Paris Bakery, Canadian Tire, Orchard Home Farm, Dominos and Paris Construction We had Cameron volunteer her face painting talents to all the kids delight! It’s really a community event,” said Cruikshank.