Terry Fox Foundation -31st Anniversary.

Liza Arnold is a volunteer and organizer of the local Terry Fox Run in Prince George.  Liza can be reached at 250-964-7326 or email: lryan01@telus.net.

Liza provided a comprehensive program about the Terry Fox Foundation and the upcoming Terry Fox Run in Prince George.

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 28th 1958.  He and his parents moved to BC when Terry was about 10 years old.  

At an early age, Terry had the misfortune of getting Cancer in his leg with the ultimate loss of the lower part of his leg through amputation.

To help resolve the solution to Cancer treatment, so others would not have the same misfortune, Terry started the Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980.

During the initial training for the Marathon of Hope, Terry Fox actually trained in Prince George and got to know some of the local sports enthusiasts well during that time. 

During the Marathon Of Hope, Terry Fox ran a total of 3339 miles over 143 days.  Unfortunately during this period of time, in September 1980, the Cancer returned causing Terry to have to stop his run.

On June 28th, 1981, Terry Fox died of Cancer.  Terry's mother, Betty Fox, was over taken by her son's passion to resolve the battle with Cancer and continued Terry's quest.

Thus, in September 1981, The Annual Terry Fox Run was born to continue to raise funds for Cancer Research. 

For this reason, the Terry Fox Foundation  was created.  The Foundation is an Independent Organization and operates without Sponsorship.  

The Foundation has a National office and operates with a total of 33 staff people in 10 offices across Canada.

There are a total of 9,000 Terry Fox Runs in different locations across Canada each year.

In Prince George, the Run generates between 400 and 600 participants each year, raising between $13,000 and $16,000 dollars per year.

Unlike many programs, a full 85 cents of every dollar goes to Cancer Research.  This amounts to only 15% for administrative overhead.

This years Terry Fox Run in Prince George is scheduled for Sunday, September 18th, 2011.  The Run location will start from the Community Foundation Park between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.  Participants can walk or run he 5 km course which is an easy course.

Rotarian Bill Bateman thanked Liza for her presentation with a Donation to the Polio Plus Program.

Thank you Liza and Bill.