When a man set out on a mission to cross the entire of Canada with osteosarcoma, little did anyone know that his legacy would live on 33 years later too (and surely for ever!!). In the beginning, no one paid any attention to him and his appeal to get a charity of 1$ for every person who sees him. But later, everyone from Rob Stewart to Pope John Paul II wanted to reach out to him to help him recover and fund future cancer research.

Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox , (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was an athlete, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research over C$500 million has been raised in his name.

In Dubai, every year, the Terry Fox Run attracts thousands of people from all walks of life. Some come in the memory of their loved ones who had succumbed or had suffered from the deadly disease.  Many come to support the cause of raising funds for the advancement in research work. Since last couple of years, I am taking part actively in Dubai Terry Fox Run as a volunteer.

This year, today was the D-day and I was one of the volunteers for the event and managed the general registration area. Afterwards, I had taken up the work for distributing the certificates who had completed the long (8.2 km) and short run (4.2 km). Energetic performances from various groups and bands from the colleges here charged up the entire atmosphere and at the end it was a huge gathering of more than 4000 people dedicated to one single cause "Eradicate Cancer".

At the end, any positive outcome will or is bound to have a lasting impact. Just like the environment. The fact that we can do so much of things that can have a positive outcome is one that drives me to continue with activities such as the DTFR...... Hope this will inspire you to start or continue your own journey of making a positive impact......

 

Beating the beats of India's men......