'Fun run' to help cancer research

JAKARTA (JP): The Regent Jakarta Hotel, in cooperation with the Indonesian Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Embassy, is scheduled to hold its fourth annual Terry Fox Run on Oct. 11 with the aim of raising funds for cancer research.

Virginia Margaretha, a spokesperson for the event, said on Monday that the 'fun run' would start at the Regent hotel on Jl. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, at 7 a.m. and finish at the hotel.

"About 2,000 people are expected to take part and make their contribution," she said, adding that total contributions were expected to reach about Rp 250 million (US$22,727).

"This event is not only aimed at raising money to help fight against cancer, but it is also intended to raise awareness about the danger of cancer as well," she said.

The participants have the choice of either a 5km or 10km route before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. The 5km run goes via Jl. Jend. Sudirman, circling the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, while the 10km run takes a turn around Monas, she said.

The Terry Fox Run, which was introduced by the Regent Hotel in 1995, started in Canada in 1980. The sole participant was a young Canadian named Terry Fox, 18, who was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in his right leg in 1977.

His leg was later amputated six inches above the knee. While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. This journey was called the Marathon of Hope.

Terry's determination resulted in him running 43 kilometers every day for 143 days. However, after 5,565 kilometers - when Terry was on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, Ontario - he was forced to stop his run as the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Terry continued to fight against the disease for another nine months before he died on June 28, 1981.

Since that date, the Canadian community around the world has helped to establish over 270 Terry Fox Runs in over 58 countries. (hhr)