We’ve all been affected by cancer in one way or another, and thanks to relentless community volunteers like Sharon Stahls, Huntsville is raising funds to fight the insidious disease.
Community members came together on Monday morning in front of Partners Hall to kick off Terry Fox week and the 45th annual Terry Fox Run.
“Many of us here today know that Terry stopped just outside Thunder Bay as the cancer had spread to his lungs. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the image of Terry on a stretcher getting ready to be loaded into the plane that would take him home. Fighting back tears, Terry said, ‘If there is any way I can get back out there and FINISH IT, I will,'” said run organizer Stahls as community members wearing T-shirts with the words FINISH IT, nodded their heads.
“Because of your incredible efforts, Canada’s very best researchers are doing what they do best: looking for better, more effective ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer. As a result, countless families across the country can now access personalized cancer treatments and experience better outcomes,” she told those present.
Stahls shared the history of Terry Fox Runs in Huntsville. There have been 37 runs. She thanked the previous run organizers and the committed volunteers who helped them. The previous run organizers were Doug Stone, Jeannine and Bill Spring, and Fran Keevil, Mike and Fiona Harrower, Sharon Freund, Lynn Newell, Bill Coon, and now her (Sharon Stahls). Together, Huntsville has raised $1.4 million in the fight against cancer.
Stahls, a former school principal and educator, also gave a shout-out to local schools for hosting runs and ensuring Terry’s story is not forgotten.
She said last year, local schools raised $15,000. Stahls also presented Huntsville Public Library CEO David Tremblay, with the newest Terry Fox book called T Is For Terry and ABC of Courage.
Stahls encouraged everyone to keep the Terry Fox story alive and share it, particularly with the younger members of the community.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock thanked Stahls for all her hard work in keeping Terry’s story alive and raising funds in the fight against cancer. An emotional cancer survivor also spoke up and thanked those present for being part of the fight.
The run/walk takes place this Sunday, September 14, at the Huntsville High School. Registration takes place at 8 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 9 a.m.
Find out more about the run HERE.
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