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Sept. 2, 2005
Running under water
Cancer fund-raiser celebrates 25 successful years.
CARLA WOLLACH
When Terry Fox first set out on his trans-Canada run after being
diagnosed with cancer and having his right leg amputated, he knew
his goal ahead would not be easily accomplished. However, with determination,
Fox started his run and continued until he was forced to stop because
the cancer had spread to his lungs. He died at the age of 22, in
1981.
Every year in cities around the world, communities participate in
runs to celebrate Terry Fox's legacy and raise funds for cancer
research. This year, the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver
(JCC) will be participating in the 25th annual Terry Fox Run. This
will be the 24th year that the JCC will be joining the event.
The JCC is also celebrating its second annual Terry Fox Water Run.
The principle behind the water run is the same as the land run:
to foster a sense of community and healthy living while raising
money for cancer. But for many individuals who want to support Terry
Fox's memory, running on land is simply not an option, because of
an injury or an aging body. Instead, participants run lengths in
the water.
The water run was co-ordinated by Adrienne Fox, an aquatic fitness
instructor at the JCC.
"I myself am unable to run on land, due to hip and knee problems,"
Fox said. "Terry Fox was an inspiration to many people. If
people want to help raise funds for cancer research, they must be
given alternatives. Water running is that alternative for people
to carry on his message for beating cancer."
Participants sign up for half-hour time slots and are sponsored
for the duration they are in the water. Wearing a buoyancy belt
or perched on a water noodle, participants run lengths of the pool.
For anyone who has ever tried running in water, with or without
these aides, it is no easy feat. This challenge is reflective of
Terry Fox's initial goal – and the medical benefits to exercising
in the water are undeniable.
Athletes have long known the benefits of exercising in water. Cardio
in the water engages the core, works both sides of the muscles and
helps builds strength and endurance. Water is now also being used
for rehabilitation after an injury, illness or surgery. As well,
after undergoing cancer treatment, patients are encouraged to do
water exercise. The warm water promotes muscle elasticity and a
greater range of motion that is easier on the body after a trauma.
Last year, between the land and water run, the JCC raised more than
$3,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. This amount, as well as the
number of participants, was up from the previous year. The goal
is to see both these numbers rising each year.
For those who prefer the land option, there are three- and 10-kilometre
walks and runs starting at the JCC. Neither option is designed to
be easy, but then, neither is fighting cancer.
The Terry Fox Run takes place this year on Sept. 18. More information
and registration is available at www.terryfoxrun.org. For more about
the JCC runs, contact Adrienne Fox at 604-263-2013 or the JCC at
604-257-5111.
Carla Wollach is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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