By Dana Reynolds

Local man encourages P.A. to keep the spirit of Terry Fox alive

Aug 29, 2016 | 2:02 PM

Every year, people with cancer or friends and family of loved ones with cancer, don their red “Terry’s Team” T-shirts and take to the streets. In an effort to keep the national tradition alive, one local man is lobbying hard for participants.

Dean Ethier noticed attendance for the city’s annual Terry Fox run had dwindled and took it upon himself to recruit runners for the cause.

Ethier said he was inspired by Terry Fox. To him, his journey wasn’t merely about raising money or awareness for Cancer Research, it was about life.

“When things get hard, you shouldn’t give up, you should keep fighting for what you believe,” he said.

Anyone who has a personal diagnosis of cancer – at any stage of treatment or recovery – and participates in the run qualifies as a member of Terry’s Team. Organizers say the sea of redshirts is “a symbolic image that reminds us all that the work we do together really matters.”

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

5h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

9h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

13h ago

To Ethier, its upsetting to think people might not understand, or have forgotten about Fox’s contributions, saying the man sacrificed what was left of his short life for the cause.

Ethier helped with recruitment by hanging posters and talking to those interested in participating. He’s also trying to encourage his friends and family to sign up.

“It’s important for people who have cancer to have some kind of symbol of hope. But I think it goes beyond that. Just for everyday people, when you see somebody go above and beyond what they’ve expected to do, it just gives you encouragement,” he said adding most people know someone who’s been touched by cancer.

The Terry Fox run will be held Sunday, Sept. 18. In Prince Albert. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. with the race commencing at 2 p.m.

dreynolds@panow.com

On Twitter: @danitska