By Jeff Labine

Brave youth honoured by Terry Fox’s brother

May 16, 2017 | 12:00 PM

There’s no way you could wipe the smile off Katie Enequist’s face.

All eyes were on the 14-year-old at Monday night’s council city meeting as she received the 35th Terry Fox award, presented by Mayor Greg Dionne and Terry’s brother Fred Fox. The award is presented to a young citizen who emulates the ideals and inspiration of Terry Fox, the man who famously made his way across Canada in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Katie, who also served as the city’s chief of police for a day in December, remained quiet during the presentation but she did make sure to thank everyone for the award.

Katie’s mother, Karlie Enequist, said the whole family was honoured and blessed to have received the award.

“Katie has scoliosis that cannot be repaired,” she said. “It’s a rare form of scoliosis. She just lives every day to the fullest and we just try and keep her comfortable.”

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

8h ago

International honours

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

11h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

15h ago

Enequist said the family motto is to move forward foot-by-foot and to take each day as it comes. She said she keeps strong for the family.

Mayor Greg Dionne said it was a great honour to recognize Katie.

“Katie has some issues, she is terminally ill but she’s taking it in a positive way,” he said. “She’s a great role model for our community. Tomorrow morning when you wake up, embrace life and be happy with what we have because that’s what Katie does.”

Fred Fox said he was thrilled to have been able to present the award to Katie. Although his brother is primarily connected to cancer, Fox said Terry inspires so many for all kinds of reasons regardless of what challenges they have.

He said Katie represents Terry’s many characteristics including determination.

“Terry would often say it isn’t supposed to be easy,” he said. “Katie is going through a lot of stuff. She’s obviously a perfect candidate for the Terry Fox award. All we kept hearing about was her smile. She has got such a positive attitude.”

Terry inspired the nation when he set out to do his Marathon of Hope in 1980. He lost his leg after a malignant tumour was found in 1977 but that didn’t stop him from travelling 5,373 km over 143 days.

His run was sadly cut short just outside of Thunder Bay, Ont. when his primary cancer spread to his lungs. Terry died in 1981 in British Columbia. He was 22-years-old.

Fred Fox said his brother tried to do something bigger than anything else anyone was doing at that time.

“We was running across Canada with an artificial leg, although he never thought of himself as being disabled,” he said. “He did something that not many people or anybody had tried before. All he wanted to do was set an example.”

Fox added it’s up to the rest of the family to continue on Terry’s legacy, which is why he planned to keep making stops in communities like Prince Albert to recognize those who share his brother’s determination.

Jeff.labine@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @labinereporter