It was a rainy morning in most parts of BC and Port Coquitlam was no different. However, the rain did not dampen the spirits for the 30th Terry Fox Hometown Run. With one goal in mind, to end cancer, thousands of members of Terry's team came to Hyde Creek Community Centre. I was pleased to represent our community on stage, along with Rick Hansen, James Moore, Dave Teixeira, the Terry Fox Choir and the run Emcee (my Dad) Bruce Moore, here is an excellent picture from the stage.
In my speech this year, I quoted a Port Coquitlam resident, Bryan Ness, see below for my notes, who characterized the past 30 years. It was an emotional presentation. One question I received from a few people was, where was Betty and Rolly Fox? This year the Foundation did a draw of all run sites to host the Foxes. So, Betty and Rolly were in Nova Scotia.
Early totals across Canada indicate an increase of about 20% in donations. This is great news, with .87 from every dollar given to Cancer research we know the money will end up in the right place.
The hometown event was full of great memories as well as sad moments. This year’s run was led by cancer survivors, which provides us proof that our donations are making a difference. On the other hand, I spoke with individuals who were running on behalf of a loved one they lost to cancer. I spoke with a woman who lost her son to cancer this past year, Dan Atrich. I went to school with Dan, in fact we went to school from kindergarten to grade 12 together. Dan would have turned 40 yesterday.
We need to do more. Here is the link to the Terry Fox Run donation page ; please take a couple of minutes to donate. As members of Terry's team we must keep working together to END cancer.
