Media Releases Archives - The Terry Fox Foundation

11 02, 2020

New collaboration between The Terry Fox Foundation and the International Agency for Research on Cancer

By Glenn Vogelsang|2020-02-11T19:05:47+00:00February 11th, 2020|Media Releases|

New collaboration between The Terry Fox Foundation and the International Agency for Research on Cancer strengthens cancer research training for Brazilian researcher In a first-time collaboration, The Terry Fox Foundation and the World Health Organization (WHO) have partnered on a two-year, postdoctoral fellowship under the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The recipient is Dr. Ricardo Cortez Cardosa Penha of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, who recently joined IARC at their headquarters in Lyon, France. He will be conducting important work on Mutational signature analysis and prognostic factors within IARC’s Mutographs project. “I am delighted to benefit from the support of The Terry Fox Foundation for my fellowship at IARC. This is a unique chance that will have long-lasting impacts on my research project and it will improve my skills as a researcher. I come from a country where scientists are struggling to carry on their research projects due to large cuts in science funding. Knowing that so many individuals have worked to raise these funds gives me the proper motivation and strength to take an active part in working towards IARC’s vision of a world free of preventable cancers.”, said Dr. Penha, in a recent video call with The Terry Fox Foundation. Prior to joining IARC, Dr. Penha held a postdoctoral position in oncology at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, carrying out a project focused on the role of HMGA1 on esophageal adenocarcinoma treatment response. Terry Fox helped to create a broader awareness about cancer, a sad reality all humans have in common, no matter where we live. For more than five decades, the IARC Fellowship Programme has contributed to the development of human resources for cancer research worldwide. These fellowships are for early career scientists from low-and-middle income countries and selection is [...]

11 07, 2019

Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network investment

By Glenn Vogelsang|2019-07-11T21:58:48+00:00July 11th, 2019|Media Releases|

Federal Minister of Health shows government support for Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network through $150-million investment to accelerate precision medicine MONCTON, NB – The federal Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, announced today an investment of $150 million over five years by the Government of Canada to the Terry Fox Research Institute. This funding will create the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network to help accelerate precision medicine for cancer patients across the country. “We are committed to supporting innovative and collaborative cancer research to improve health outcomes for Canadians who are living with, or may one day be affected by, cancer,” said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health. “I want to thank the Terry Fox Research Institute for its ongoing commitment, leadership, and innovation in cancer research across Canada. Your dedication is invaluable and is a source of hope to cancer patients and their families and friends.” The funding, which was recently announced as part of Budget 2019, will be matched by the network’s partners. These partners will also work together to share data, resources and knowledge, all with the goal of achieving Terry Fox’s dream of a world without cancer. “We are thrilled to have the Minister of Health share this great news today and on behalf of TFRI and our partners we thank the Government of Canada for its leadership in making this investment and for this vote of confidence,” said Dr. Victor Ling, TFRI president and scientific director. “Under this new network, centres and researchers will form the Team Canada of Cancer Research, sharing knowledge, harnessing technology and championing collaboration so cancer patients from coast to coast to coast will benefit.” As members of the Team Canada of Cancer Research, the centres and their researchers are joining forces for the [...]

20 03, 2019

Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network Announcement

By Glenn Vogelsang|2019-03-20T22:40:38+00:00March 20th, 2019|Media Releases|

RESPONSE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY REGARDING $150M FOR MARATHON OF HOPE CANCER CENTRES NETWORK “We are thrilled with today’s announcement by the federal government to support the creation of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres. Under this new Terry Fox Research Network, Canadian cancer centres, together with their research teams from coast to coast, will share data, harmonize resources and apply new technologies such as genomics, advanced imaging and artificial intelligence, so that no matter where they live in Canada, cancer patients will have access to precision medicine – so the right treatment can be given to the right patient at the right time.” – Dr. Victor Ling, TFRI President and Scientific Director “We have remained protective of the Marathon of Hope branding, using it sparingly and selectively, waiting for the right opportunity to maximize its meaning and value. We have found that opportunity with the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network and precision medicine.” – Mr. Darrell Fox, on behalf of the Fox Family “We are delighted with the federal government’s momentous decision to invest in world-class cancer research by collaborating with the Terry Fox Research Institute and the major cancer centres across Canada to advance the principles of precision medicine. This co-investment to support the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network will bring us closer to the realization of Terry’s dream of a world without cancer.” – William Pristanski, Board Chair at The Terry Fox Foundation MOHCC 2-pager: Click here Media interviews for Dr. Victor Ling or Mr. Darrell Fox, please contact: Kelly Curwin, Chief Communications Officer Terry Fox Research Institute o:604-675-8223; c: 778-237-8158 Media interviews for The Terry Fox Foundation, please contact: Katherine Koyko, Director, Marketing and Communications The Terry Fox Foundation o: 604-239-8582; c: 604-803-2252

27 07, 2018

Terry Fox PROFYLE

By Glenn Vogelsang|2020-02-14T05:04:04+00:00July 27th, 2018|Media Releases|

Bringing Hope to Children and Young People with Hardest to Treat Cancers Terry Fox PROFYLE (PRecision Oncology For Young peopLE) was launched in 2017 with a goal of using precision medicine to deliver new treatment options to infants, children, and young people with hard-to-treat cancers. This unique program has quickly become the most ambitious childhood cancer initiative ever undertaken in Canada. It is this county’s first ever collaborative, national personalized medicine program for patients aged 0-29 and includes over 30 pediatric cancer research and funding organizations working together to guide diagnosis and treatment. Patients who are enrolled in Terry Fox PROFYLE have their tumours genetically sequenced. This powerful process can uncover molecular signatures that allow researchers and clinicians to offer new treatment options for these young patients. Terry Fox PROFYLE exists for the young cancer patients who have been told they are out of treatment options. Together, we can provide more time, more options…and more hope. We need your help. Together we can help these young patients and improve Canada’s pediatric cancer model. DONATE to PROFYLE TODAY

24 07, 2018

Meet Lauren

By Glenn Vogelsang|2018-07-27T02:28:43+00:00July 24th, 2018|Media Releases|

5 04, 2018

New Board of Director Announcement

By Glenn Vogelsang|2018-04-06T02:45:40+00:00April 5th, 2018|Media Releases|

New Board of Director Announcement BURNABY, BC (April 3, 2018) – The Terry Fox Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of two new members to its board, Katherine Kay and Michael Rossi. Both are passionate Terry Foxers whose global experience and strategic business knowledge will help to strengthen the organization’s impact in Canada and beyond. “As we look ahead, Katherine and Michael are outstanding additions to our Board. They’ve each been involved with The Terry Fox Run for years and we are excited about the unique expertise that they bring as we continue to evolve and lead the organization forward.” The Terry Fox Foundation Board Chair, Bill Pristanski, says. Michel Rossi has served as President of adidas Canada since July 2014, overseeing Canadian operations for adidas and Reebok, as well as shared services for adidas Golf. A proud supporter of Terry Fox both on a personal and corporate level, adidas Canada has set record levels of corporate donations under Michael’s leadership. Katherine Kay is a litigation partner at Stikeman Elliot LLP. Benchmark Canada named her one of the Top 25 Women in Litigation and Competition Litigator of the Year (2016). She is a longtime supporter of The Terry Fox Foundation and annual Terry Fox Run. The Board of Directors provides The Terry Fox Foundation with governance to steer the organization’s operations and ensure fiscal responsibility. The Terry Fox Foundation’s Board of Directors is as follows: Bill Pristanski (Chair), Prospectus Associates Ara Sahakian, CPA, CA, Managing Partner at IA Group Katherine Kay, Litigation partner at Stikeman Elliot LLP Michael Rossi, President of adidas Canada -30- About TFF The Terry Fox Foundation is an international organization whose mission is to maintain the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox [...]

29 08, 2017

The Terry Fox Run – Hope Knows No Borders

By Glenn Vogelsang|2019-09-03T21:40:11+00:00August 29th, 2017|Media Releases|

The Terry Fox Run - Hope Knows No Borders VANCOUVER, CANADA Sept. 4, 2019 – Terry Fox viewed himself as an ordinary Canadian but his extraordinary story of incredible personal sacrifice has spread to every corner of the globe. Every year Canadian ex-pats work together with the local population in 33 countries to organize Terry Fox Runs, with the support of Canadian Forces, Embassies and High Commissions. These events not only raise funds for cancer research but they also provide something intangible: an inspirational example of a man whose effort and legacy transcends language, culture and politics. This year, 80 communities and schools around the world are gearing up for their annual Terry Fox Runs. “Terry Fox’s story is fundamentally a human story,” said Rhonda Risebrough, International Director of The Terry Fox Foundation. “His example of overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles and physical challenges is one that resonates with people around the world. Cancer is a disease that knows no boundaries and does not discriminate- it affects all of us.” Terry Fox helped to create a broader awareness about cancer, a reality all humans have in common, no matter where we live. It is only fitting that Terry, and his mission to fund cancer research, lives on in so many countries outside his own through cancer research projects in Vietnam, UAE, India, Malaysia and Singapore. For event details or more information, visit terryfox.org/international-runs If you are interested in hosting or supporting an international Terry Fox Run or special event, contact: Rhonda Risebrough International Director 150-8960 University High Street, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 4Y6 Rhonda.Risebrough@terryfoxrun.org 604.245.5383 About The Terry Fox Foundation The Terry Fox Foundation is an international organization whose mission is to maintain the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research [...]

27 02, 2017

Spring 2017 Newsletter

By Glenn Vogelsang|2017-03-02T18:26:30+00:00February 27th, 2017|Media Releases|

Spring 2017 Newsletter Improving the Lives of Patients with Multiple Myeloma A $5-million investment in New Brunswick is bringing attention to a lesser known cancer found in the bone and bone marrow. A team made up of researchers and clinicians found across Canada, led by UNB’s Dr. Tony Reiman, are investigating how the disease can be identified, monitored and treated in hopes of changing how patients are cared for. Watch here Terry Fox – Running to the Heart of Canada Museum Exhibit Moving West After a very successful presentation at the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec, this touching exhibit is on the move with stops at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener, the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg and the Royal BC Museum in Victoria. Read More How Many Times Can We Run Across Canada Join the Running Room as they kick off the celebration and fundraising for the 2017 Terry Fox Run. In 2016, participants of the Marathon of Hope Celebration crossed Canada over thirteen times (close to 100,000 kms)! Read More Dr. Pam Ohashi Wants to Teach Your Immune System to Fight Cancer The Terry Fox Research Institute awarded a grant to Dr. Ohashi this past fall to research how to stimulate the immune system to directly kill cancer cells. With a focus on serous ovarian cancer, the project aims to expand treatment options for ovarian cancer patients. Read More

9 02, 2016

Terry Fox – Running to the Heart of Canada Museum Exhibit Moving West

By Glenn Vogelsang|2017-03-02T20:13:48+00:00February 9th, 2016|Media Releases|

Terry Fox - Running to the Heart of Canada Museum Exhibit Moving West The inspirational Terry Fox - Running to the Heart of Canada exhibit has made it's way across Canada with stops at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener, the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg and will be making it's next stop at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, April 12, 2017. Sharing the life and incredible accomplishment of one of the most inspiring Canadians, the exhibition features a wide array of artifacts and archival materials, displayed together publicly for the first time. After a very successful presentation at the Canadian Museum of History where it welcomed more than 215,000 visitors before closing in January 2016, the exhibition then started moving west. Venues included THEMUSEUM in Kitchener (April 8 to June 16, 2016), the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg (July 14 to October 10, 2016) and the Royal BC Museum in Victoria (April to October 2017). “This exhibition would not have been possible without the great generosity of the Fox family, and their willingness to share Terry with the world,” said Jean-Marc Blais, Director General of the Canadian Museum of History. “More than 37 years after his astonishing achievement, Terry Fox remains a hero for Canadians. This tour will give more people a chance to marvel at his determination and courage.” “During the Marathon of Hope and the months that followed, Canadians filled our home in Port Coquitlam, B.C., with scrapbooks, letters and gifts,” said Darrell Fox, Terry’s brother. “We’re honoured to share some of our collection and to help tell this important story." The tour will enable many more people to understand why some consider Terry Fox to be the greatest Canadian of all time. Terry Fox – Running to the Heart of Canada was produced by the Canadian Museum of History, in [...]

13 01, 2016

Rolly Fox, Fox Family Statement

By Glenn Vogelsang|2017-01-26T10:58:27+00:00January 13th, 2016|Media Releases|

Terry Fox Family Statement It is with heavy hearts that we wish to share with Terry Foxers from coast to coast and around the world that our Dad and Grandfather, Rolland (Rolly) Fox, has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. He remains in very good spirits, confirmed by the dated and overused humour we are forced to endure. Though initially troubled by the news, Rolly is committed to approaching the challenge now before him by adhering to the traits - optimism and a never give up attitude – that he likely passed on to his son Terry. Rolly, who will be 81 in March, started smoking at age 19, consistent with the times. He quit smoking on a dare from a brother on May 24, 1986 and exactly a year later ran a 10 miler. It will be 30 years this May that Dad took his last puff. Rolly has been a behind-the-scenes believer of Terry’s mission for 36 years. More recently, with the passing of Betty, his wife of 54 years and Terry’s Mom, he has been more active visiting Terry Fox Runs across Canada and personally signing over 14,000 thank-you letters every year. Lung cancer claims the lives of more Canadians than any other form of cancer, though because of the smoking stigma it is often neglected as a funding priority for research. The Terry Fox Research Institute, with funding from the Terry Fox Foundation, recently completed a pan-Canadian study to detect lung cancer early. We thank you for your continued support for our family during this period and for keeping alive Terry’s dream of ending cancer through research. Our family will endeavour to keep supporters updated but will not be making any further public comments at this time. The Terry Fox Family [...]

22 09, 2015

Statement of Mr. Britt Andersen of The Terry Fox Foundation

By Glenn Vogelsang|2017-01-17T05:54:15+00:00September 22nd, 2015|Media Releases|

Statement of Mr. Britt Andersen of The Terry Fox Foundation Regarding Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Commitment of Matching Donations for Cancer Research. Mr. Britt Andersen, Executive Director of The Terry Fox Foundation, made the following statement in response to Sunday’s announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “As an international non-profit organization, The Terry Fox Foundation is non-partisan. The Foundation welcomes new investment commitments in cancer research from any and all political parties. Like all non-profit organizations we need the support of our donors and the government to be able to continue to invest and make advancements in vital cancer research. On August 31, The Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute sent a letter and backgrounder to the leaders of all five political parties in Canada. The joint letter sought their support for a Canadian Comprehensive Cancer Centre network that will one day deliver precision cancer-medicine programs to patients. It will position Canada as a leading nation in cancer research and will have a profound impact on Terry’s goal to defeat cancer. Terry chose to run across Canada to bring attention to the need for more research. In doing so, he unified the country. The Terry Fox Foundation requests that all parties take the moral high ground and recognize that a cure for cancer should transcend political goals. In that spirit, we urge all parties and everyone to work together to support this important vision to create a network of comprehensive cancer centres that will transform cancer care and greatly increase our ability help cancer patients. Let us all now focus on how best to use this opportunity regardless of partisanship. Terry didn’t define cancer by a partisan colour, he defined it by raising funds to find a cure. Let us all follow his lead.” Note [...]

12 06, 2015

Terry Fox Run to Return to Confederation Bridge in 2015

By Glenn Vogelsang|2017-01-26T10:59:37+00:00June 12th, 2015|Media Releases|

Terry Fox Run to Return to Confederation Bridge in 2015 35th Anniversary Run to take place 100 days from now. Charlottetown, June 12th, 2015- The Confederation Bridge, in partnership with The Terry Fox Foundation, announced today that the Terry Fox Run will mark its 35th anniversary 100 days from now with a run across the Confederation Bridge on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Founded in 1981 in commemoration of Terry’s ‘Marathon of Hope’ and his fight against cancer, the Terry Fox Run has evolved into the largest fundraising event in support of cancer research in the world, with events taking place in 32 countries across 4 continents annually. To date, close to $700 million dollars has been raised in Terry’s name for cancer research. “It is fitting that Canada’s largest Terry Fox Run will be held on the Confederation Bridge. The Bridge and the ‘Marathon of Hope’ are symbols of what makes Canada great: enormous dreams, herculean efforts, momentous feats, and the end result, a nation connected and unified,” said Britt Andersen, Executive Director of The Terry Fox Foundation. “Thirty Five years ago, I’m certain Terry never could have conceived of such an engineering marvel. If it had existed, without a doubt, he would have run its length in the name of cancer research.” Both the 25th and 30th anniversaries of the Terry Fox Run were marked with Confederation Bridge hosted events, offering participants the unique opportunity to cross the bridge on foot. The two runs continue to be recognized as the largest Canadian Terry Fox Runs in the history of the event for both participants and funds raised, collectively welcoming 24,000 participants and raising in excess of $700,000 for cancer research. Organizers hope to surpass past event numbers in 2015. “It is truly an honor to be a [...]

12 09, 2014

B.C. honours Terry Fox

By admin|2017-01-26T10:52:38+00:00September 12th, 2014|Media Releases|

Proclamation honours Canadian hero VICTORIA – The B.C. government has proclaimed September 14, 2014 as Terry Fox Day. It is the day that hundreds of thousands around the world gather for the annual Terry Fox Run, to celebrate Terry’s courage and to continue his dream of finding a cure for cancer. Linda Reimer, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam “Terry Fox is an inspiration to all Canadians and especially those of us here in the Tri- Cities. He devoted his life to finding a cure for cancer and has left us a lasting legacy to continue his work. I am privileged to have played a part in the B.C. government’s decision to proclaim September 14, 2014 as Terry Fox Day. The significant contribution and tireless efforts that Terry Fox made in our province, and to the countless lives he has touched, are a tribute to this rare individual. I am looking forward to participating in this Sunday’s Terry Fox Run.” Rolly Fox, Father of Terry Fox "Terry knew before he passed away that there would be an annual event in September, the month he was forced to stop running, that offered us all the opportunity to symbolically complete the Marathon of Hope. We are thankful that Sunday, September 14th has been proclaimed Terry Fox Day by the government of British Columbia as it pays tribute to the efforts of people in every B.C. community who further his dream of eradicating cancer through research." The annual Terry Fox Run continues Terry’s dream of finding a cure for cancer. To find a run in your community, visit www.terryfox.org. Learn More: Link to proclamation: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2014%20Proclamations/procs/TerryFoxDayNEW2 014.html Facts about Terry Fox: • March 9, 1977 - Terry discovers he has a malignant tumor in his right leg; the leg is amputated 15 centimetres (six [...]

12 08, 2013

Statement on the Death of Dr. Anthony (Tony) Pawson

By admin|2017-01-26T11:00:21+00:00August 12th, 2013|Media Releases|

Statement on the Death of Dr. Anthony (Tony) Pawson We wish to express our profound sadness and loss over the death of Dr. Anthony (Tony) Pawson. Dr. Pawson was a leading cancer scientist at Mount Sinai’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute in Toronto, Ontario who was revered worldwide for his seminal, transformative and innovative work in signal transduction. He has helped to advance cancer research and research in other diseases for his understanding of how cells communicate. His untimely death is a blow to our entire Canadian cancer research community and he will be deeply missed. Tony and his team were extremely successful in forging new and innovative advances in cancer research, and it is in this capacity that he led a long-standing New Frontiers Program Project Grant funded by the Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute. He was funded by the Terry Fox Foundation for over 25 years, and currently held a grant awarded in 2010. Tony was the recipient of many prestigious scientific awards and among Canadian researchers was regarded as a potential recipient of a Nobel Prize in medicine for his groundbreaking work. He was awarded the Kyoto Prize (“the Japan Nobel”) in 2008. The Signal Transduction Society in 2010 presented its new honorary medal to him as “one of the founding fathers of protein - protein interaction research in cell signalling ‘for the discovery of protein interaction domains and elucidating their essential roles in the transmission of cellular signals.’”1 Dr. Pawson and his team discovered the Src Homology 2 (SH2) domains in the mid-1980s and the field subsequently expanded massively. While we mourn his loss, we know he has left us a rich research legacy. We remain confident those who are following in his footsteps will find continued strength and inspiration in their [...]

4 07, 2013

Minister Moore Announces Major Partnership to Honour One of Canada’s Greatest Heroes: Terry Fox

By Glenn Vogelsang|2017-01-26T11:00:52+00:00July 4th, 2013|Media Releases|

Partnership to Honour One of Canada’s Greatest Heroes: Terry Fox The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced a partnership agreement between the friends of the Terry Fox Collection and the future Canadian Museum of History to honour the legacy of Terry Fox, one of Canada’s greatest heroes. Together they will develop an exhibition featuring the story and legacy of Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope. The exhibition will open at the future Canadian Museum of History in 2015, in conjunction with the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope. “Terry Fox is one of Canada’s greatest heroes and his story deserves to be known by all Canadians as an important part of our nation’s history,” said Minister Moore. “The Marathon of Hope inspired future generations worldwide, and Terry’s legacy continues to raise millions of dollars for cancer research year after year. During the first ever Canada History Week, I am honoured to announce a partnership that will give Canadians the opportunity to learn about Terry’s life and his outstanding achievements.” The exhibition will feature some of the key artifacts from Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, which he undertook in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research after losing his leg to cancer at age 18. The Marathon began in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on April 12, 1980, and ended 143 days later in Thunder Bay, Ontario, when his cancer returned. He had completed 5 373 kilometres of his journey. Terry passed away at the age of 22 on June 28, 1981. To date, more than $600 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry’s name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world. “We are thankful to the Minister and the Government of [...]

11 09, 2012

The Terry Fox Foundation announces Governor General of Canada as Patron

By Glenn Vogelsang|2017-01-26T11:03:18+00:00September 11th, 2012|Media Releases|

The Terry Fox Foundation announces Governor General of Canada as Patron Vancouver, BC -- The Terry Fox Foundation is pleased to announce that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, is patron of the Foundation. “The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General welcomed and recognized Terry 32 years ago during a visit to Rideau Hall. Less than 3 months after his visit, Terry was invested as Companion of the Order of Canada and, in 1982, the fountain in front of the Rideau Hall façade was dedicated the Fountain of Hope. We are therefore extremely honoured that His Excellency has accepted this role and we know that both Betty and Terry would join us in welcoming him to the Foundation and its broader family of supporters and organizers,” said Mr. Rolland Fox, father of Terry Fox. The Governor General is a strong supporter of Terry Fox, citing the young Canadian hero’s contribution to the country and his generosity as an inspiration for all Canadians. During his installation speech in 2010, His Excellency spoke of how Terry’s spirit and achievement brings Canadians together and how his cause endures three decades after the Marathon of Hope (1980). “As a Canadian cancer research institute focused on both discovery and translational research, as well as training future leaders (scientists and clinicians) in cancer research, this support from The Queen’s representative in Canada, is a wonderful endorsement for the Foundation and the collaborative work our researchers are undertaking at the best cancer research hospitals and universities in Canada to improve outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Victor Ling, president and scientific director of The Terry Fox Research Institute. His Excellency will participate in the Terry Fox Run in Ottawa on Sunday, September 16, 2012. This annual run held along [...]