Terry Fox Day

The Terry Fox Day is a national day of remembrance for Terry Fox (surprise, surprise). Terry Fox was an athlete from British Columbia who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 18. He later had his leg amputated. To raise funds for all cancer patients, he started a run across Canada, but he was never able to finish it as his cancer defeated him.

To honor him and raise funds for cancer patients, every school in Canada organizes a fundraising run every year. But in my school, it was so much more...

Classes were secondary on this day, there was a special schedule. So after the 2nd period, all students made their way to the gymnasium. There was an assembly. Among other things, the candidates for the school elections and new teachers were introduced. At some point, the main topic of discussion came up: Terry Fox and cancer. Students and teachers who either had/have cancer themselves or have lost loved ones to it spoke. It was incredible how much respect everyone had.

After that, the actual fundraising run took place. Many students dressed up "colorfully" and ran the course to collect donations. We simply walked the course, like many others.

Afterwards, there was a BBQ in the school and students could sing karaoke. It was all really fun and the school spirit here is truly incredible. Even a girl who brutally butchered Katy Perry's song was supported by the crowd. It was really enjoyable and something like this would be unimaginable in Germany.