Man from Moose Jaw devoted to Terry Fox cause

Has it ever crossed your mind how great it would be to witness Canadian history in the making? If it has, well imagine how wonderful it would be to get directly involved with our country’s history.
Gerry Stonechild, who was born and raised in Fort Qu’Appelle, recalls meeting and running with Canadian hero Terry Fox.

In 1980, Terry Fox dipped his leg into the Atlantic Ocean and was ready to embark on a challenging and unheard of journey. Stonechild, who now lives in Moose Jaw, was alongside Fox in his initial steps of the challenge.Stonechild spent 26 years in the Canadian Forces and was stationed at a nearby Canadian military base. Along with three other servicemen, he volunteered to run with Fox from the Newfoundland shoreline to St. John’s city hall, where the Marathon of Hope would officially launch.
Stonechild recalls his own
attention and understanding towards what Fox was doing.

“At the time, it really wasn’t that big of a deal,” he said and recounts what it was like meeting Fox.

“Terry was a pleasant young guy – (he) appeared to be like any other kid his age. He shook my hand, thanked me for running and that was that. If we could’ve only known then what we know now,” he said.
Derek Lothian, Provincial Communications Coordinator for the Terry Fox Foundation, Saskatchewan Office, said that it is important for Canadians to understand that in the early 1980’s, the idea of running across Canada was virtually unheard of.

Doing so on one leg was unimaginable, but that’s what Fox did, time and time again in his life he was pushing the limits both within himself and everyone else around him. Fox’s tenacious spirit, sheer will and raw determination have inspired hope in all, that one day; a cure for cancer will be found.

Terry Fox had the goal of raising one dollar from every Canadian for cancer research. Unfortunately, the cancer that had cost Terry his right leg reappeared in his lungs.
On September 1, 1980, the 22-year-old Terry Fox was forced to abandon the run after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres after beginning the marathon.

“Just thinking about it makes me sad – even now nobody has ever affected me quite like he did. When people talk about Canadian heroes, Terry Fox is the real deal. He’s my hero anyway,” said Stonechild.

Ever since that day in April when the Marathon of Hope began, Stonechild has been determined to carry on the dream of Terry Fox by becoming an active force in the annual Terry Fox run. He has participated in each of the past 29 fundraisers and is an intricate part in organizing the run in Moose Jaw, where, at the age of 70, he still jogs the length of the golf course on a daily basis.

“Terry is a part of my life and that of every Canadian,” Stonechild said. “The Terry Fox run is a way we carry on his dream in hopes of one day finding a cure for cancer.”

Presently, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more then 500 million worldwide in Fox’s name to fund cancer research. Approximately one million is raised each year in Saskatchewan alone. However, the success of the Terry Fox Foundation is dependant on the support from a diverse number of volunteers.

Currently, the Terry Fox Foundation is looking for volunteers to assist with organizing the annual Terry Fox run on September 19, as well as the fundraiser ‘The Great Canadian Hair-Do’ on July 1.

“Almost everyone has, in one way or another, been affected by cancer. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what you do, or how old you are; we can always use the help,” Lothian said.

Gerry Stonechild has set an example for carrying on the task of continuing to raise money and carry on awareness about cancer in Fox’s name.

“It is important to share Gerry’s story,” said Lothian. “It is a story that is a part of Canadian history right here in small town Saskatchewan, and above all else, it is fascinating. Here you have a guy going about his life, serving his country, and then – all of a sudden – he’s in the middle of one of the most memorable events in our nation’s history. But not only is he there, he’s a part of it. How neat is that?”

Anyone interested in volunteering for either event is asked to contact Brittany Krivoshein at (306) 757-1662 or sksummer@terryfoxrun.org.