“I’m going to do my very best. I’ll fight. I promise I won’t give up.” — words spoken by a true Canadian hero.
Terry Fox had a single dream — a world without cancer. He sought to reach out to every corner of Canada, and beyond, when he embarked on his Marathon of Hope.
On one leg, Terry Fox ran the equivalent of a marathon a day for 143 days straight, to raise awareness for the need for research funding.
When his own cancer spread he was forced to stop running, but his dream to find a cure for cancer lives on.
This year marks the 34th annual Terry Fox Run and after organizing the Terry Fox Run in Langley City for five years, Lilianne Fuller is excited to pass the torch to co-chair, Rick Barnett.
Fuller is confident in handing over this role.
“I knew this would be one of the last years I would chair this run and I really wanted to leave it in good hands,” she said.
“Rick is a busy person but he always makes time for the community. I admire that. I was really pleased when he said he would not only co-chair the event but he was prepared to take it over completely in 2015.”
Barnett is a local businessman who owns and operates Valley First Aid.
Barnett believes in giving back to his community, as demonstrated by his involvement with the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, as North Langley community director.
He is a true Langleyite, spending his days reaching out and assisting businesses in the local area as well as chairing the 2014 Business Expo.
This year’s event in Langley takes place in Douglas Park on National Run Day, Sunday, Sept. 14. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the run starts at 10 a.m.
“We are excited for the event to follow shortly after the BC Seniors Games, and both chairs are hoping that volunteers won’t be experiencing too much volunteer fatigue and will consider helping their community for just one more day. By joining, they are an integral part of helping the community contribute to the $650 million already raised for cancer research worldwide.
The runs are a non-competitive, all-inclusive activity where participants can run, walk, blade or bike.
This year’s event will feature Langley firefighters grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and face-painting, puppy pedicures and more. Registration is by donation and there is no minimum pledge amount.
Every participant is a special part of the cause as living proof that cancer research saves lives.
When asked what convinced him to co-chair the Terry Fox Run, Barnett attributed it to the people of Langley.
“It’s the citizens of Langley that make this a great community. It never ceases to amaze me how so many people volunteer their time to make our City just a little bit better for everyone.”
“If you’ve given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope.
“Terry taught us that every contribution matters,” said Fuller.
“We urge you to come out with our new co-chair, as a participant or volunteer, and help Langley continue to work together to outrun cancer.”