Hundreds of fighters under one big tent (12 photos)
Sunday, September 16, 2012 by: Connie Carello
Several hundred of Saultites were found supporting a great cause today under the Bondar Pavilion.
Geared with running shoes and armed with strength and determination, residents riled themselves up to fight back against cancer and commemorate the journey Terry Fox started many years ago.
As registration began at 9 a.m., people began socializing with others, telling their stories about how cancer has impacted their lives or those of close family and friends.
Renee Dantzer, a 10-year cancer survivor who has undergone twenty-one surgeries, including one which has left her with a prosthetic leg was enthusiastic about the run and its overall impact.
"Terry Fox could have been an Olympic athlete, but he was humble and decided that he was going to use his talent and determination to inspire others and bring about change. What it really comes down to is people helping people," she smiled as she patted Lisa Beauregard on the back.
Beauregard attended today's festivities in recognition of her daughter who at the age of two was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor.
Although Beauregard's daughter could not attend as she is currently attending university, she happily informed SooToday.com that she was participating in the run down south.
"It is amazing to see that people from different cities and all over the world can get together on one day and finish what Terry started so many years ago. His dream did not die but is carried on each and every time someone participates in this event, he started all of this," Dantzer added.
Prior to the start of the run, several personal trainers from Goodlife Fitness Club lead the participants in a warmup routine to the song "Eye of the Tiger."
While doing so, the lead instructor informed the participants, "that if you can punch, you can fight back!"
Such empowering words lead many of the participants to cheer and raise their fists.
Other festivities including a face-paint station, a jolly jumper, and the opportunity to have a photo taken with the wacky chicken from Wacky Wings.
A message board was also available to write inspiring notes as well as memoirs to those who have lost their battle.
Since the celebrating of Terry Fox has begun in Sault Ste. Marie over $400,000 has been raised.
In comparison to last year, there were much larger teams including one organized by Algoma University.
Although it is not necessary to form a team as several participants walked, or even rode their bicycles in the run today.
The legacy of a man who ran a substantial distance on a prosthetic leg is an inspiration to all - one that is continually regarded as a heroic dream, still in the process of completion.
