'Fun run' to help cancer research
'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)