Thousands take part in Terry Fox Run throughout Simcoe-Muskoka

The Simcoe-Muskoka region raised more than $100,000 in support of cancer research, as thousands took part in their nearest Terry Fox Run on Sunday.

The run in Barrie raised more than $88,000, the most in the Simcoe-Muskoka region.

“It was amazing,” said Marilyn Nigro, the run organizer for Barrie. “We had six to seven hundred people at the start of the run. It was just so nice to see families and people of all ages coming out today.”

Among the six hundred-plus runners and walkers was Shawna Potje, who won her battle with breast cancer five years ago.

“Wearing the red shirt, I think, is a reminder that cancer is something that can be beat,” said Potje. “This is not something we’re going to solve [with] just one person. It’s the community coming together.”

Judy Willmott had the chance to meet Terry Fox during his stop in Sudbury for his historic walk and on Sunday the 84-year-old did not let her battle with Alzheimer’s stop her from walking in Terry’s honour.

“He was an angel,” said Willmott. “That’s why I came, because I wasn’t well myself, still. But I had to come.”

On the other hand, 5-year-old Vaughn Szakal started running laps in October 2023 because he learned about Terry Fox in school.

The young Brechin resident wanted to practice for Sunday’s Terry Fox run in Orillia to help the cause.

Vaughn raised more than $1,000, running alongside his family and more than 300 participants at the Orillia run, which surpassed $1-million raised since 1988.

“We have come a long way in cancer research,” said Alison Stoneman, the run organizer for Orillia. “But we’re not there yet. We’re still losing loved ones to cancer, and until we come to a point where that isn’t happening, we’ll keep running for Terry.”

Here are some other amounts raised from other Terry Fox runs throughout the region as of Sunday evening, according to TerryFox.ca:

• Newmarket: More than $69,000
• Heart of Georgian Bay: More than $65,000
• Huntsville: More than $27,000
• Orangeville: More than $26,000
• Port Perry: More than $22,000
• Bracebridge: More than $19,000
• Georgina: More than $17,000
• Meaford: More than $17,000
• Collingwood: More than $17,000
• Bolton: More than $16,000
• Owen Sound: More than $15,000

Most will continue accepting donations this week.