Terry didn’t Annual Paris Terry Fox Run takes place

By Casandra Turnbull

The annual Terry Fox Run is just a week away. For Canadians, the name Terry Fox will forever be tied to the battle against cancer. What started as a modest mission turned into a country-wide marathon that still gains national attention 44 years after he first dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean in April of 1980. His determination and bravery in the face of such adversity makes him a Canadian hero and his dream lives on each year as towns, cities and schools across Canada continue his Marathon of Hope. The Annual Terry Fox Run has raised more than $800 million for cancer research “We share Terry’s dream of a world without cancer,” said Kiley Cruickshank, the co-organizer of the Paris Terry Fox Run She runs the local marathon alongside her sister-in-law Melanie Chmelik. “Donations collected at the event fund impactful research projects with the potential to save and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families,” she added.

“Over the past few years our dedication has become more personal, and we will continue to be a part of Terry’s legacy until the day comes that we no longer need to.”

By personal, Cruickshank is referring to the families and guests of honour who attend the local marathon each year to share their stories; sometimes they have a happy ending and sometimes the ending is heartbreaking, but no matter what, they are inspirational.

One of those stories is that of Gary and Heidi Wright and family. Their cancer journey is no more unique than the millions who suffer globally, but their story is very personal for anyone who lives in Paris. Perhaps you’ve seen the ‘In this town we fight together’ motto or how about the term ‘Team Gary?’ Maybe you’re aware of their story and maybe you’re one of the hundreds of people who rooted and supported Gary throughout his three-year battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer). Gary fought with the same determination and strength that Terry did.

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