‘I want to help find a cure,’ says cancer survivor Taylor (9 photos)

Taylor Dereski was among one of many brave, inspiring cancer survivors who took part in Sunday’s annual Terry Fox Run cancer research fundraiser.

A 35-year-old Wawa native and married mother of two who now resides in Sault Ste. Marie, Taylor was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 14 in 1998, now a 21-year survivor.  

“They had to remove most of my left lung after my lung collapsed with pneumonia, and they found a tumour,” Taylor said, the life-saving operation having taken place at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.

“I was lucky because I didn’t have to have chemo, just regular checkups. Life is good and I’m glad to be here 20 years later,” Taylor smiled.

“I’m here today because I want to help make a difference. I want them to find a cure for cancer, and I know one day they will,” said Taylor, marking her first Terry Fox Run in several years.

“I think it’s now time for me to take part and start helping again,” said Taylor, speaking to SooToday before walking in the annual fundraiser.

“I saw Terry Fox when he ran through the Sault,” recalled Colette Michel-Fall, who, along with husband Rick Fall, is the main organizer of this year’s local Terry Fox Run.

“When we saw him, we just knew it was a great thing happening in Sault Ste. Marie, this young man running for cancer.”

Michel-Fall estimated 600 people had registered to run, walk, stroll or bicycle the route along the Sault boardwalk, heading west from the Roberta Bondar Pavilion to the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and back, cheered on along the way by the stirring sounds of a pipe and drum band near the west end of Station Mall.

$43,000 was raised at last year’s local Terry Fox Run for cancer research, Michel-Fall stating organizers hope to reach the $45,000 mark this year.