PRINCE ALBERT — The 45th annual Terry Fox Run takes place in three weeks. On Sunday, Sept. 14, thousands of participants will walk, run, roll, or ride at a local Terry Fox Run to show their support for Terry Fox and his message of hope.
Terry Fox started a marathon against cancer. Together, we can finish it.
Terry once said, “It’s one thing to run across Canada, but now, people are really going to know what cancer is.”
Today, everyone knows what cancer is. People have either experienced it themselves or know someone who is currently battling it or has already bravely faced it. two in five Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Donating to the Terry Fox Runs support cancer research. Advancing cancer research saves lives.
Terry’s Team Members
Terry Fox Runs each year recognize cancer survivors and those living with a cancer diagnosis with a special red version of the campaign t-shirt. Affectionately known as Terry’s Team Members, these Run participants and fundraisers in their red shirts visually demonstrate the success that research brings.
The presence of red shirts on Run Day, of Terry Fox Run participants and fundraisers who have been affected by cancer, spread hope and keep Terry’s legacy alive. TTMs are the living proof that research works.
“I wouldn’t be here without the research”
Chelsea Mitchell is a Terry’s Team Member. At age 12, Chelsea was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. She spent eight months getting chemotherapy, going in and out of the hospitals. When chemotherapy didn’t work, Chelsea received a lifesaving stem cell transplant, except her body rejected the transplant. This meant 12 weeks of anti-rejection therapy. Chelsea continues to endure long-term side effects that will affect her for the rest of her life. She will require follow-up appointments for her entire life. She is proud to say now, though she has been cancer-free for over nine years!
Chelsea is a thriving young adult who just graduated from the University of Saskatchewan nursing program and is starting her career at Victoria Hospital in her hometown of Prince Albert. She is also an incredible baker. In 2023, Chelsea had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Poland to meet and thank her stem cell donor in person.
“It was an incredible experience and so important to me to be able meet the most incredible selfless woman who is the reason that I am still here today.”
Chelsea is giving back to those who gave her a positive prognosis. She and her mom co-chair the Prince Albert Terry Fox Run planning committee, raising funds for cancer research.
“When Terry Fox was my age, the five-year survival rate for children with A.L.L was under 25 per cent. Today it’s at 94 per cent, thanks to the incredible advancements through cancer research.” Chelsea continues, “I’m going to keep fundraising for cancer research until A.L.L is just a memory. Using our run theme this year, it’s time we Finish It”
Research works
Anyone diagnosed with cancer today, is going to benefit from the fundraising that has been done the past 45 years through Terry’s Marathon of Hope and the subsequent Terry Fox Runs.
Giving to the Terry Fox Run, is giving to progressive cancer research. Research that has allowed for such vast improvements such as Chelsea’s A.L.L. options. Or improvements showing an over 80% five-year survival rate for some cancers, including breast, prostate, thyroid, testicular, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Just like cancer doesn’t play favourites, Terry Fox Runs are for everyone too. They are all-inclusive, non-competitive, family friendly events with a deep purpose. Help support cancer research and allow more people like Chelsea to wear the red T-shirt. Join the Terry Fox Run. Visit terryfox.org to register and fundraise.
