SFU engages other Canadian Universities in Annual Terry Fox Event

Simon Fraser University's annual Terry Fox Walk/Run participants will be in good company on September 18 as several universities from coast-to-coast join SFU and President Andrew Petter in their own walk/run events, launching a national initiative called Terry's CAUSE on Campus.

Terry's CAUSE (Colleges And Universities for Student Engagement) will focus on engaging students to raise awareness about cancer prevention, celebrate Fox's legacy and fundraise for cancer research.

SFU's Terry Fox Day committee has been working with the Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute to encourage other Canadian universities and colleges to hold their own Terry Fox Day events.

Terry Fox was an SFU kinesiology student and a member of the Clan junior varsity basketball team in 1977 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer.

Darrell Fox, Terry's brother and a special advisor with the institute, is spearheading the initiative and says Terry began planning and training for his Marathon of Hope while he was a first-year university student. "He would be pleased and honoured to know that students here and across Canada continue to be inspired by him and are joining together to support his dream -- our dream -- of ending cancer."

"I am delighted that the annual SFU walk/run event, which has a proud history at the university, has become the model for a national campus initiative," says SFU President Andrew Petter. "By promoting the SFU model to other universities, the Terry Fox Foundation hopes to enhance its mission to raise awareness about cancer research and cancer prevention among university students, staff, and faculty nationwide."

"Terry attended Simon Fraser University as a kinesiology student when he was 18. At 19, he became a cancer patient. At 21, he was a hero. This national event is a great opportunity for current students -- our country's future leaders and researchers -- to come together for a great cause and at the same time pay tribute to one of the country's greatest heroes," says Tim Rahilly, associate vice-president, students. "His courage, determination and selflessness continue to inspire us all." 

Links:

Terry's CAUSE on Campus video: http://youtu.be/15JxEjOc_lQ

Website: www.sfu.ca/terryfox and www.facebook.com/terryscause