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3 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Oakville Terry Fox Run this Sunday Continued from page 1 kids about cancer. "He used to show them his artificial leg and the kids loved that," smiled Robinson, himself now a grandfather. Visschedyk, like Fox, had his right leg amputated. Like Fox, he underwent extensive chemotherapy. But while the disease claimed Fox, Visschedyk survived and is now 30 years old. A Terry's Team member for Oakville, David was supposed to speak at Wednesday's barbecue -- but was tied up in court. He's a lawyer with a large Toronto legal firm. Visschedyk is even hoping to participate in the Olympic Torch Run when it comes through town again now. Local officials have all sent letters backing his request. Visschedyk's mother, Carol Dalby, pinch hit at the microphone for her son Wednesday, and was asked if research helped save her son from the same fate as Terry Fox. "Absolutely," she replied. In its 29th year, the Terry Fox Run still raises money with the hope of finding a cure for cancer. While a cure may still be elusive, research has made a difference. In just the few short years, between Fox's death and Visschedyk's operation, research helped develop new surgical techniques. According to his mother, David's knee joint was rebuilt. While Fox is remembered for his straight-legged gait as he ran Canada's lonely highways in his Marathon of Hope, Visschedyk played basketball and baseball at high levels growing up. A few years ago, he cycled across Canada, raising money for cancer Run," said Martha McClew, Ontario provincial director of the Terry Fox Foundation. "Our community run can raise close to $170,000 this year if each person gives just $1," said Pam Damoff, Oakville Terry Fox Run volunteer. "I see nothing wrong with escalating it from a loonie to a toonie," said Mayor Rob Burton, declaring strong support for the cause and noting the local run is "an opportunity to put ourselves in Terry's shoes." To assist with the fundraising efforts, PharmaSense is collecting $1 donations at its store at 2983 West Oaks Trail Blvd. Look for the giant fishbowl at the checkout. It will also have a team at the Terry Fox Run and has challenged other businesses to join. The run is on Sunday, Sept. 13 at Abbey Park Secondary School, next to the Glen Abbey Recreation Centre (Third Line south of Upper Middle Road). It begins at 10 a.m., with registration beginning at 9 a. m. Participants can choose to run, walk, bicycle, or inline skate either a 5K or 10K route. ··· Also attending the Terry Fox Run launch, Wednesday was 71-year-old Pat Mack, a longtime resident. Twenty-nine years ago, Mack was living in Taiwan and tuned her radio to the only English-speaking channel to follow Fox's progress. After moving back to Oakville, Mack participated in her first Terry Fox Run in memory of her mother, who died from cancer. That was 27 years ago and she hasn't missed one since. Let our designers and product selection take you to another place. A WORLD OF INSPIRATION We can transform any space! Elegance, Stylish, Sophisticated, or Sleek We specialize in importing and distributing unique Ceramics, Porcelain, Travertine, Marble, Glass, Custom Medallions and mosiacs from Around the World. LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER MOTHER'S GRATITUDE: Carol Dalby, mother of David Visschedyk, speaks at the Oakville Terry Fox Run launch last week. research. Things have changed, for the better, since his surgery, too, said his mother. Research and a good dose of luck, made the difference for David, she said. Dalby said her son was lucky to live. She said she was lucky to keep her son alive. "Because David survived, he attempted not only to survive, but to thrive," she said. "It was not enough for him to survive, he wanted to be normal," she said. While Visschedyk has gone on to lead a full life, his mother said his battle with cancer has helped shape who and what her son is. "Cancer is not a death sentence," said Dalby, noting her son is a mentor to patients at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. "When kids are in the hospital, they need concrete proof that they can indeed be normal again," she said, adding, "Cancer can be beaten." Since losing his leg, Visschedyk has had no further brushes with the disease. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn said Terry Fox was the average Canadian kid, someone's son, someone's brother. "Canadians keep the Terry Fox Run in motion and strides are being made in cancer treatment," said Flynn. "We see Terry's face in every single person who participates in the Terry Fox Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating Tile selection made enjoyable! Factory Tile Depot www.factorytiledepot.ca