Terry Fox Run 2014, 16th February 2014 Mumbai, dedicated to the spirit, courage and purpose of Terry Fox….
Terry Fox was a Canadian energetic young sportsman. He was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 18 and was forced to have his right leg amputed. While in the hospital he was so moved with the suffering of cancer patients, he decided to dedicate his life to the cause of cancer. For raising fund for cancer research he decided to run across the length and breadth of Canada.
With his amputed leg but undying spirit and courage he ran 5000 km and clocking 46 km a day before being forced to stop his run because of spreading cancer to the lungs. Terry passed away in 1981 at the age of 22 to the shock and dismay of whole world but his spirit, courage and fight against all adversity to achieve his purpose in life lives on till date and inspires millions of cancer survivors across the world. To the memory of Terry Fox a “Terry Fox Run” is organised every year across the world. The funds donated for this cause is given to hospitals for cancer research.
16TH Terry Fox Run, Mumbai
It was a lovely morning of spring in Mumbai on 16th February 2014 when a crowd gathered at Nariman Point promenade in front of Air India Building. This gathering included small children from various schools across Mumbai wearing the pious white coloured Terry Fox Run Tee shirts. Their energy and vibrancy made the entire atmosphere electrifying.
The run was flagged off by a very special guest Judith Fox, sister of Terry Fox who had flown down from Canada to attend the event. All the schools had put up banners and slogans which described the occasion and cause for which it stands. The children ran from Air India to Brabourne stadium.
The entire participants assembled at the stadium to grace a very short but powerful ceremony. The gathering included special guests who are children patients from Tata Memorial Hospital and children from blind school. Mr. Gul Kriplani, the convenor for Terry Fox Committee in India presided over the ceremony. This year the Terry Fox Committee contributed the maximum amount from any country world over through donations from schools and corporate world. The amount was around 2 Crore donated to Tata Memorial Hospital cancer research fund. The Terry Fox Committee members including our beloved Viji Amma handed over the cheques to Doctors from Tata Memorial Hospital.
The FOM volunteers from Mumbai attended the function and this was my 5th year. I am always inspired by the cause, the enthusiasm, energy of the school children who participate in the run. The event radiates so much of positivity, passion and gives the strength to the patients, caregivers and families to fight against cancer and overrun the disease which was the dream of “Terry”.
The event culminated with a sumptuous Brunch donated and organised by Trident Hotel, which was attended by the glitterati and eminent personalities of Mumbai, who had bought passes to attend the same. The money raised through these passes and the event were also donated to Tata Memorial Hospital.
The FOM has always participated in this event in full force and thanks to the able leadership of Viji Amma and her immense contribution to the Terry Fox Committee.
This year the event was extremely successful as every year. We wish the “Terry Fox Run” and the committee all the best for higher contribution to this noble cause and a grand event in the years to come.
May the spirit, courage, hope, strength, purpose and untiring effort of Terry to win this battle live for ever….
By-
Sabyasachi Rath, FOM Mumbai