Celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving early this October by joining Camana Bay and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society to honour Canadian cancer amputee hero Terry Fox – who at 21 years-old, attempted to run across-country to raise funds for cancer research – and support his 32-year legacy for the cause.

On Thursday 4 October, learn the story behind one of Canada’s youngest heroes through a series of inspiring short films, I Had a Dream and Remembering Terry Part I and II, shown under the stars at a special Moonlight & Movies starting at 7pm in Gardenia Court, Camana Bay. Then follow in Terry’s footsteps on Saturday 6 October and take part in a 5K family fun run around the Town Centre to commemorate his Marathon of Hope. Pre-registration can be made at the Moonlight & Movies event, The Discovery Centre on The Paseo, online at CamanaBay.com or on event day from 6am. The race will start on Market Street at 6:30am.

In accordance with Terry’s wishes, both events are open to the public and donations are suggested. All proceeds will benefit the Cayman Islands Cancer Registry to further data collection and cancer research on island.

In 1977, 18 year-old kinesiology student Terry Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right leg, resulting in the loss of his leg to above the knee. While in hospital, he was so overcome by the other cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Terry’s Marathon of Hope took place in 1980 with the simple objective of informing Canadians of the importance of finding a cure for cancer.

In preparation for his run, Terry ran the Prince George to Boston Marathon; he finished last by almost 14 minutes yet cited this day as one of the happiest and most rewarding events of his life. To Terry, it was not important where he finished, but simply that he had finished.

Terry started his Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada on 12 April 1980. He ran an average of 26 miles a day for 143 days, covering 3,339 miles, until he was forced to end his run on 1 September that same year when the cancer spread to his lungs. However, by 1 February 1981, Terry’s dream of raising $1 for every Canadian was realised – the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund totaled C$24.17 million. Terry passed away on 28 June 1981 at the age of 22 but his vision, leadership, courage and hope continue to inspire people of all ages around the world.

It was Terry’s request that his name be used strictly to raise funds to support discovery based research. To date, over C$600 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry’s name and this research, along with a number of other factors, have led to improved survival rates for many kinds of cancer.

The Cayman Islands Cancer Society will be present at both events to answer questions on cancer prevention, treatment and the Cayman Islands Cancer Registry.

Founded in April 2010, the Registry is based on global standards set by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The Cayman Islands

Cancer Registry database and software used to collate the information is an IARC database, which has been in place since January 2011. Collected data is used to compare local cancer rates and trends with other Caribbean islands and the rest of the world to provide better, effective analysis of cancer in the Cayman Islands.

For more information on the Registry, please contact the Cayman Islands Cancer Society on 345.949.7618, email [email protected] or visit the Cancer Registry at the Cayman Islands Hospital.

To learn more about these and other upcoming events at Camana Bay, visit www.camanabay.com, stop by The Discovery Centre, email [email protected] or call 345.640.4000.