Knowing that you can become a part of something that is new and introducing others to it, is gratifying. In helping to operate the first Terry Fox Run held in North Carolina on Sunday, I was afforded the opportunity to be a part of something special. Oftentimes, opportunity can be sought and created, but it can also 'just happen'. Meeting fellow Canadian Sean Mitton, president and owner of the Canadian Expat Network, afforded me an opportunity to help be a part of introducing Terry Fox's legacy to North Carolina.
Do many people in North Carolina know who Terry Fox is? For the most part, only if they are Canadian. However, once the Terry Fox story is told and/or shown via You Tube, everyone 'gets it'. That in itself is gratifying, and now people in Raleigh have experienced what the Terry Fox Run is about.
As the morning fog cleared after some rain showers the night before, the sun was warm and tempered with a comfortably cool breeze that was present as Sean and I, and a few NC State students helped to prepare the registration area, refreshment area, and the 5K course around the NC State Centennial Campus. We expected a modest-size crowd for this first-time event in Raleigh. We ended up with an energetic group of Canadian expats and local students and runners who soaked up the energy present on a beautiful day in honor of a great Canadian.
The experience was enhanced with the presence of Terry's sister Judith Fox-Alder, International Director for the Terry Fox Foundation, who was there to support the event. Receiving her appreciation for putting such an event on was fulfilling to everyone involved particularly with it coming up to the 30th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope that Terry started. It turned out to be a great day for such an event.
On September 12, 2010, Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope reached Raleigh, North Carolina.
