Dearest Terry

Yesterday was your special day Sunday Sept. 16 2018 marked the 38th Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research. I surprised myself. I finished. I walked the full 10K. I did it in Minden this year.

Since I saw you as I was walking south on Yonge St. in Thornhill Ont. in 1980 you touched my heart in a big way.  I have done the run 37 times except for last year. I sustained a big pain in my left hip and was in pretty rough shape last year. Leanne an osteopath in Haliburton who treated me recently remarked when I told her I was going to show up for the run this year “That’s a great motivation Barb.”

Terry I felt great yesterday no pain! I took in the open farmland the sun the clean air and the camaraderie of others and also the solitude. I decided to stop and drink water and eat a small treat at the water stations for the first four kilometres. I poured a cup or two of water over my head. I felt encouraged by the smiles of the volunteers at the stations. I enjoyed a really crunchy sweet and sour apple. I was touched by the show of generosity by the donations of food and drink.

As I walked the 8K mark an OPP officer rolled down his window “Are you OK?”

“I’m great! I’m going to finish.” I replied.

And then I heard your word as he replied “Awesome!” I learned that you had a big heart opening when you knew you couldn’t complete your run across Canada. I learned this about you from the recent article in the Minden Times recounting your brother’s visit to Minden the week before the run. Unfortunately I couldn’t be there. Your brother said something like Terry let us know he wanted all of us to finish the run for him.

Thank you Terry! You’re my hero! I raised $262 this year for cancer research. When I reached the finish a local volunteer Jack Brezina well-known in the community was there to ring me in. I felt like a hero too. He used an old brass school bell. And that touched my heart too as I am a retired teacher.

Barbara Rosen