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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 22, 2016 | 6 Spotlight "Connected to your Community" | Riziero Vertolli/Metroland | Franki Ikeman photo | Riziero Vertolli/Metroland From left, members of the Oakville Rangers hockey team were out again for the 36th annual Oakville Terry Fox Run at Coronation Park last Sunday (Sept. 18). Sandy Kirkland and baby TJ Kirkland run across the nish line and Dan Ferrone helped kick off the event as those cycling the route get ready to roll. For more photos, visit oakvillebeaver.com. Oakville continues Terry Fox's legacy at 36th run by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff As participants began to head home, a young Oakville boy looked up to his dad and said, "That was a good Terry Fox Run." His dad responded, "I'm proud of you." That sense of pride in their community and its members is part of what keeps residents returning to the Oakville Terry Fox Run year after year. The fact that approximately 900 participants lled Coronation Park for the 36th annual event last Sunday morning (Sept. 18) is a clear testament to Oakville's dedication to help make Terry Fox's dream of a cancer-free world, a reality, says Pam Damoff, chair of the Oakville Terry Fox Run and Oakville North-Burlington MP . "I'm always blown away by how many people do come out year after year," Damoff said, noting the run is a really personal event. "It all goes back to Terry and the type of person he was and, really, the vision and hope he gave to people who had cancer, that one day there would be a cure." She referenced Oakville run participant Lisa Moody, who battled her cancer 20 years ago and is now a mom. "Without the research done in Terry's name, she (Moody) wouldn't be here," said Damoff. "The type of person Terry was inspires people to come out every year. And everybody has a personal connection to cancer, whether it's a family member or friend." In spite of his challenges in battling the devastating disease, Fox embarked on his Marathon of Hope in Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. It heralded a new age of fundraising with his erce determination, running an average of 42 kilometres every day for 143 days. Although he never attained his goal of making it to British Columbia -- bone cancer had spread to his lungs by Sept. 1, 1980 -- he created a legacy that continues today. The Terry Fox Run has evolved into the largest fundraising event in support of cancer research in the world, with events taking place in 32 countries across four continents, annually. With no entry fee or minimum donation required, participants walked, biked, boarded, skated, ran, pushed a stroller or walked the dog along the lakeside in two-kilometre, ve-km or 10-km routes, which were lined with lawn signs remembering loved ones who have died of cancer -- including former Oakville Beaver managing editor Rod Jerred, who lost his battle with the disease three years ago. Oakville organizers encouraged residents to gather their colleagues, associates, friends, families and social and athletic groups to celebrate and honour their loved ones while raising money for cancer research. Riziero Vertolli, director of photography for Metroland West Media's Halton division, has put together a team representing the Beaver for four years. "It's just great to see the community spirit and the Oakville Beaver come together as a team," Vertolli said. This year's fundraising total was $115,000. Participants were challenged to raise $182,000 -- $1 for every Oakville resident. Last year, the event raised $117,000. "The money we raise, we don't have corporate sponsors, so it's people asking friends, co-workers and family for $5, $10, $20, it's all small amounts," said Damoff. "The fact that we are able to raise as much as we do... Terry asked people for a $1 and he didn't take corporate sponsorships and the (Terry Fox) Foundation has stayed true to that vision." More than $700 million has been raised worldwide in Fox's name to fund the most promising and innovative research in Canada. -- with les from Julia Le Volume 54 | Number 76 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington (905) 845-3824 Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone (416) 340-1981. 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