NewsFlash
Volume 8, Issue 3-05/06 - October 2005
A Singapore American School community service publication
MICA (P) 234/08/2005
RUNNING FOR A CURE
Contributed by Amanda McKinnon, Carmine Filice and Sam Lloyd
On September 8th and 9th students in grades three through twelve became the newest participants in a young man’s dream; a dream that started 25 years ago. In April 1980, after losing his right leg to bone cancer, 22 year old Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope. Terry ran 42 km each day with the intention of crossing the entire country of Canada to educate people about this disease. After 143 days and more than 5000 kilometres, doctors announced that the cancer had spread to his lungs and he would not be able to continue his run. Though Terry’s life ended prematurely, his inspiration continues to live in the thousands of people who participate in the annual events around the world, including Singapore. In the days leading up to the run, interest and excitement grew as students learned about Terry’s incredible journey. Light showers did not deter approximately 200 third grade students from dashing around the 1.5 km course on Thursday morning. As the run came to a close, questions of “can we do that again?” were heard throughout the foyer. Fourth grade students also showed their spirit and enthusiasm in an equally enjoyable run on September 9th, while fifth grade students had the rare opportunity to meet and talk to Mr. Derrick Lau, a Singaporean man who also lost his leg to cancer as a teenager. Mr. Lau shared the challenges and triumphs he faced in his battle against cancer. His inspirational story brought Terry Fox’s message of hope even closer to home. continued on page 29...