Shweta Shastri, Managing Director of the Canadian International High School, which is hosting the Terry Fox Run for cancer research in Bengaluru, thinks that this is the best way to create cancer awareness. She explains, “Today, cancer is a deadly epidemic that affects millions of people around the world. It is imperative to educate people about the disease and raise funds for cancer research to cut down on the overall mortality rate. Participating in the run and showing your support through donations is going to help the foundation find a cure for cancer and potentially save millions of lives. Participants and the people that believe in the legacy are the people that spread the message and make a difference.”
This marathon with free registration is also inviting students from various schools and colleges across the city to take part in the five-km run, and they can choose to even walk or ride a bike if they don’t want to run. The response has been phenomenal. Students are actively participating and offering their help with the run. With above 1000 registrations till date, the school is receiving an inflow of more every day. They believe that it is the cause that is making people interested in participating. Their donations will be sent to the foundation and perhaps help find a cure for the disease. Tenth grader Emilio Rosario Alvares says, “I personally have a lot of respect for Terry Fox and for all that he’s contributions towards cancer. I faithfully do the run and will do all I can to improve. My family has a history with cancer; I’ve seen way too many people leave this world due to it. When I heard about the Terry Fox run and what it represents, I had to go. No one should suffer for something they didn’t deserve and ever since then, I’ve helped with the promotion and raising of money for this run. Ever since I heard about his initiative and his fund-raising, I’ve had the upmost respect for him. He has always inspired me to never give up on something, no matter what the circumstances are. If you have the will and determination, anything is possible.”
Meanwhile, IB1 student Adnan Bantwal muses, “Something to always keep in mind, especially for someone my age, is that you may believe your life is difficult, but there’s always someone out there who’s dealing with a lot worse, and overcoming it even. I’m inspired when I hear stories like that, and by running and donating to cancer research in these outstanding institutions, we are hoping to create more stories of survival and hope to continue to inspire more like me.
Terrence Stanley Fox was also an inspiration, he brought hope to all those suffering from cancer.”
