I totally understand that part of avoiding cancer has a lot to do with a healthy lifestyle and early detection, but even then, cancer can still strike anyone at any age with no warning. If you or a loved one got this devastating diagnosis, would you not want the best treatments and the highest odds of recovery? But still you think that you are protected in some way, what are the odds anyway? The Canadian Cancer Society website states that approximately one out of every four Canadians will die from cancer. Those odds do not sound appealing to me. Due to the great strides in cancer research, many forms of cancer now have a lower death rate and many children's cancers are now curable, but we still have a long way to go. The Terry Fox Foundation funds much of this cancer research across Canada, many research centres in Southern Ontario, and I think it is important to note that 87 cents of every dollar donated goes directly toward the cause. This is very impressive, and largely due to strict Foundation policies and the huge volunteer base at the locally run sites.

What I am asking of you now is to help make a difference today, so that the chance of survival is that much better for your families and friends tomorrow. Your participation alone might be one of the most rewarding experiences you have ever had, and we guarantee it will be a lot of fun, too. You simply pick up a pledge form from a local store if you haven't already received one home from school with your child, and simply make a pledge for your family or go one step further and collect a few pledges from family and friends. Then bring it with you to the Grimsby Peach King Centre Sunday, Sept.14, at 9 a.m. to register. The run (and you can walk, run, bike, roll or wheel) officially starts at 10 a.m. but you don't want to miss the pre-run excitement. A huge thanks to the many Grimsby school principals and teachers that are going the extra mile this year and they are supporting our "Dunk'em for Terry Fox" fundraiser. Come out and make a splash. We also a have a disc jockey, face painting, bubbles and a complimentary lunch for all participants.

Would you be ready to surrender to cancer? I didn't think so. If you have any questions about the Grimsby Terry Fox Run or are interested in volunteering, please call Margaret McIntosh, Publicity Coordinator, at 905-945-0727 or call Bette Ellis, Team Leader, at 905-309-0376.

Margaret McIntosh, Publicity Coordinator Grimsby Terry Fox Run