Terry Fox was inspired by children.

So to mark the 30th anniversary of Terry’s Marathon of Hope — his attempt to run across Canada to raise money and attention in the fight against cancer, after losing his leg to the disease — the Dundas Terry Fox Run will continue its focus on kids.

“Terry had a heart for children,” said Doug Beck, who is organizing this year’s run with his wife, Jen.

“He once remarked that they were what kept him going, both because he hated seeing them suffer when he was being treated in hospital, and because they were often his biggest supporters in the early days of his run.”

The annual Dundas Terry Fox Run will be held Sunday, Sept. 19, with registration beginning at 8 a. m., in the Dundas Driving Park.

The Kids Fun Run starts at 9 a. m. The onekilometre loop around the park features treat stations along the way. Starting at 9:15 a. m., adults can run, walk or bike their way through brand new five or 10-kilometre routes.

Other activities, also featuring a focus on kids, include face painting, a jumpy castle, balloons, crafts and much more. The Rotary Club of Dundas will host a pancake breakfast before the run.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since a young Canadian changed the way we look at cancer,” Beck said.

“His strength and determination in the face of incredible obstacles capture the heart of our nation and gave us reason to hope. He is what true heroes are made of.”

He noted Terry Fox is different than others we credit as “heroes” because nothing he did was for himself. He was unlike politicians, athletes, musicians or scientists who achieve great things.

“He was a boy, barely a man. The victim of a horrible disease that he knew would in all likelihood take his life. Yet he chose to sacrifice what life he had left to fight for the lives of others,” Beck said.

“It’s this image of a hero that still inspires thousands every year in communities all across the world to participate in the Marathon of

Hope. So that in some small way, we can keep Terry’s dream of finding a cure for cancer alive.”

Terry Fox was 18 years old in 1980, when he ran from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he was forced to stop his cross-Canada run because cancer had spread into his lungs. He died in June 1981. Visit www.terryfoxrun.org to register, make a donation or just get more information on Terry and the event.