Determination is the key to success. It's when an individual chooses to continue down a certain path regardless of imminent obstacles, in order to obtain the desired outcome. Canadian hero, Terrance Stanley “Terry” Fox, has been the epitome of determination across the nation since 1980. Terry was a star athlete in his teenage years until he lost his right leg to osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) at 18. While staying at the hospital to have his leg amputated, he was introduced to several other cancer patients ranging in age from young children to older adults and was overcome by their pain and suffering. Witnessing their struggles compelled Terry to combine his passion for sports with his hope to make a difference in these people’s lives. Thus his Marathon of Hope was founded. His goal was to run across Canada starting from St. John’s, Newfoundland to raise money for cancer research. 143 days into the marathon, cancer spread to his lungs and he was forced to leave his project incomplete just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario. On June 28th, 1981, Terry passed away at age 22, leaving behind a legacy that would remain forever in the hearts of Canadians all over the nation. As an athlete, he had been determined to complete his Marathon of Hope despite his disease and prosthetic leg, and, as an activist, he had been determined to provoke change and save those who fell victim to cancer like him. His dedication and perseverance succeeded in igniting a spark that grew into one of the largest humanitarian foundations and fundraising events in Canada. To this date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $750 million worldwide. The proceeds go towards advancements in technology and cancer research and have already saved hundreds of lives.
Terry Fox’s influence has spread to our school district like most others across the nation. Annual runs and walks in his name raise tens of thousands of dollars per school. Terry Fox and his Marathon are a very big deal here at the Woodlands School. The event this year was bigger than ever, complete with a popcorn machine, the yearly barbecue and the walk, taking place on the 28th of September. Outside the front entrance of the school, students were able to enjoy some delicious burgers, assorted snacks and refreshing drinks. This event was the perfect wrap up to the preceding week of fundraising and enthusiasm. In addition to the 2 km walk/run on Friday, the school’s #BeLikeTerry team introduced an event called Dairy for Terry - chocolate milk sold at lunches throughout the week, as well as a competition between classes to donate the most and earn a breakfast trip to Tim Hortons, and finally, an opportunity to pie their favourite teachers and fellow students in the face. The elementary students also attended a Terry Fox presentation by cancer survivor Taylor Bertelink, who inspired students with her story of hope and perseverance. Overall, the efforts made by the #BeLikeTerry team resulted in a huge success; the otherwise separated students of five different grade levels came together to support a very worthy cause.
The Woodlands Secondary School began participating in the #BeLikeTerry movement at the end of the 2017 - 2018 school year. The initiative was originally developed by the Terry Fox Foundation itself, who sends starter packages to schools that are interested in finding students to become ambassadors. Staff sponsor - of the Woodlands #BeLikeTerry team - Mr. Ferrin says that this year is the first year participating in this initiative, the main goal was to raise awareness and encourage students of all ages to participate in the various events over the duration of the week. “The Marathon of Hope that Terry Fox left incomplete was like a call to action for the rest of the country. From students to senior citizens, everybody came together with such determination that over the course of the past 35 years, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. People all over the nation participate in the annual runs to carry forward Terry Fox's legacy and further cancer research in hopes of a brighter future.”. Me. Ferrin is a firm believer that what sets the Woodlands apart from other schools across the board is that we have students as young as 11 years old to experienced staff members joining hands and bringing exceptional hard work, enthusiasm and excitement to take part in this big community building event. This year's turnout was amazing; donations were coming in from so many directions (the pie face fundraiser was a very big hit). The #BeLikeTerry team is so proud of the student body and have revealed that the total funds raised this year was $4319.65, all of which will be sent directly to the Terry Fox Foundation. Thank you for supporting Terry this September. If we all show our determination to fulfill Terry Fox’s legacy, we can raise thousands of dollars. As a nation, we can come together to help fund advancements in cancer research and help the millions of people whose lives change forever due to cancer. Terry Fox himself once said “Even if I don't finish, we need others to continue. It's got to keep going without me,” so let's keep this going. It's our turn to carry forward this torch that he passed down to us and save as many patients as possible.
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