Every September without fail, Richmond's Lynne Dueck laces up her runners and takes part in the Terry Fox Run.
The 54-year-old avid runner even plans her life around the run - it's that important to her.
So it's no wonder that Dueck gets a little choked up talking about Terry Fox.
"I've always had a soft spot for the Terry Fox Run," she said, adding she has never missed a run in three decades. "I still remember distinctly when Terry had to end his run.
"I was a lifeguard in Abbostford and I remember when he went on television to say he had to quit his Marathon of Hope . I felt such sadness for him."
There's another reason Dueck continues to run.
Her father, Joseph Lukaniuk, 81, is dying of lung cancer.
"This is his second bout with cancer and he's terminal now," said the school counselor at Delta secondary. "The run has become even more meaningful to me this year.
"I think most people who come out to run for Terry have a personal story about cancer and how it affects us all."
Over three decades, Dueck has participated in Terry Fox runs all over the province, including Prince George, Whitehorse, West Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria, and for the last four years, Richmond.
"I also for many years was on the Terry Fox Run volunteer committee in Abbostford," she added. "While I lived in Prince George, I helped organize Terry Fox runs at the high school I taught at."
In fact, she went on to say, people might not know that Terry Fox had a connection to Prince George.
"In the fall before his Marathon of Hope, Terry took part in the 17-mile run, called the Labour Day Classic," she said. "That firmed up his decision that he could indeed do his Marathon of Hope."
This year, Dueck has agreed to jump on board for the Richmond run.
She is volunteering the day of the run, setting up and organizing the food.
"I've been also soliciting for some of the refreshments," said Dueck. "I always find the event very emotional and uplifting.
"I'm just so encouraged that 31 years later Terry's legacy and his cause continues to grow rather than fade away . what a testament to Terry and his family."
This marks the 31st anniversary of Terry's legendary Marathon of Hope.
John Young, Richmond's Terry Fox Run chair for eight years, said many Richmondites come out each year to support the run for the same reasons Dueck does.
"No one ever denies that Terry Fox is a Canadian icon and a hero, and for that reason I think the public loves to come out to support this worthy cause," said Young. "Also, attendees should know that 85 per cent of every dollar raised goes directly to cancer research."
2010 was Richmond's best ever run in terms of participants and donations.
"It was the best turnout ever with about 850 participants, and we raised around $24,000," said Young.
"We get better and better every year because the good citizens of Richmond realize that the Terry Fox Run is consistently at Garry Point Park on the third Sunday of September. We also have incredible support from a hard working crew of volunteers."
Lace up your runners and join the 31st annual Terry Fox Run at Sunday, Sept. 18 at Garry Point Park, Steveston.
Registration is by donation and begins at 9 a.m.; followed by the run at 10 a.m. You can choose between a 10km, 5km, 1km family route. 5km is suitable for bikes and wheelchairs/ strollers; dogs on a leash welcome. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.terryfoxrun.org or email [email protected].
TERRY FOX RUN AT A GLANCE:
- There will be a short tribute to Terry's mom, Betty Fox, who died earlier this summer.
- The Jardines will perform live.
- The Navy Cadet Corp band will also perform and will once again have their colourful flag party.
- Terry Fox T-shirts and sweatshirts will be on sale (Come early, they sold out quickly last year).
- There will be face painting, Terry Fox certificates, stickers and tattoos for the kids.
