A shoal of cheerful Kids, energetic teenagers, enthusiastic parents and considerate corporates; gathered at Cubbon Park, Bangalore(09-Sunday-2003), to participate in the 6th annual 'Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research.' All charged up by the Spirit of Terry Fox, whose deeds inspire people across the globe, even today.

In 1977, Terry's right leg was amputated, as it was diagnosed for bone cancer. Overcome, by the sufferings of other cancer patients in the hospital, he decided to raise money for 'Cancer Research' by running across Canada; he called this journey - 'The Marathon of Hope (1980)'.

With fierce determination, he ran an average of 42 kilometers every day for 143 days. He wasn't a great athlete, just an average human being, who thought nothing was impossible. And he proved it right. The marathon showcased the importance of finding a cure for cancer.I guess it did a little more than just that; it warded-off the taboo, set against people with cancer. There was hope for them and yes, a better life.

The 'Terry Fox Run Bangalore foundation', has one distinguished way, among many, to spread awareness of the same; Children. Children from schools have led the front, in support of the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research. It's a futuristic approach: To Build an open-mind, to unlimited life possibilities and awareness about Cancer -- its causes and cure from it. All this needs to start at an early age, because that's where the ideas, values, and above all - hope! gets grounded deep in our spirits. The children are given a valuable lesson of life from a great person, a lesson about the 'Triumph of the human spirit' from Terry Fox.

Terry said, "If every Canadian gave just $1 towards the Marathon of hope, we'd have $22 million; The Terry Fox Marathon totaled $24.17 million. With India's population the amount for a noble cause as this would be Oceanic.

The 'Terry Fox Run for Cancer' race is over for this year, but the good work will continue in other forms until the run next year.

Corporates who came in support to help the cause of the race included: Prestige Group, Spice Telecom, Saatchi and Saatchi, Cubbon Park and many more.

Hope is a very good thing; maybe the best of things -- So, let's hope for the best like terry did and do our bit for Cancer Research.

For details Contact: Kim Maini
maini-kim@hotmail.com
www.terryfoxrunbangalore.com
www.terryfoxrun.org

---by Adarsh M Sharma