TERRY FOX RUN FOR CANCER RESEARCH - Friday, February 20, 2009

TERRY FOX RUN FOR CANCER RESEARCH - Friday, February 20, 2009

It’s time to gather your co-workers, family and friends for the 14th Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research to be held on Friday, February 20, 2009.

It is truly moving that the heroic, unselfish mission of one young man serves as such an inspiration to all of us no matter where we live in the world. The Terry Fox Run, named in honour of Canadian amputee runner Terry Fox who at 21, attempted to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research, is no longer just a Canadian tradition. Countries around the world stage annual events in support of Terry's dream of finding a cure for cancer.

When he was 18 Terry’s leg was amputated as a result of bone cancer, but rather than being defeated by the disease he was inspired by it. In 1980, at the age of 19, he began to run across Canada – from the Atlantic to the Pacific – to raise money to fund research to find a cure for cancer. Terry ran 42 kilometres every day for 143 days! Sadly however, at the 5,373 km mark, he succumbed to the cancer. His run became known as the Marathon of Hope. Terry died 10 months after he had to stop his run but his legacy was just beginning: millions of dollars have since been raised in Terry’s name across more than 50 countries. It is estimated that, globally, 3 million people now participate in the annual Terry Fox Runs.

The Run is a non-competitive event where people get together as individuals, families and groups to raise money in Terry’s name. It is a time to celebrate Terry’s legacy and help keep his dream of a cure for cancer alive. Please participate in Terry’s memory and help finish what he started.

Last year, Abu Dhabi participants helped to raise the most funds internationally. Importantly, all funds raised are designated for cancer research projects in the UAE. In light of the current economic situation, it is even more important to show your commitment to the community and to support Terry’s battle against cancer.

Your company’s participation can be beneficial in many ways, such as:
• Improving your company's public image;
• Enhancing the impact of financial contributions;
• Building employee spirit and teamwork skills;
• Attracting better employees because of your corporate image of community concern; and
• Increasing the productivity of your employees.

In 2008 we had three corporate challenges in the hotel, banking, and general business sectors with trophies in each area for number of participants and funds raised. These will continue this year, but if you are not one of these sectors, why not initiate a challenge in your sector? The Terry Fox Run committee can help you!

We hope we can count on you for your participation this year. We urge you to join the 10,000+ runners and walkers as a corporate team or as an individual. As in the past, there is no registration fee to participate, however, we welcome donations.

If you wish to participate as a corporate team:
1. Designate one person from your company/organization to be the point of contact for your corporate team with one of the undersigned so that we can provide pertinent information, registration, pledge sheets, route, etc.
2. A meeting will be arranged a week prior to the event to review corporate logistics for the event.
3. Terry Fox T-Shirts must be purchased from us, but if you wish to have the T-Shirts with your company name, we will provide the name of the printer to you. Please note: The Terry Fox Foundation policy does not permit a company logo – just the name and in keeping with the Terry Fox Foundation request, there are no corporate banners allowed on the Run day.

We sincerely hope that you will participate in the Run this year. If you require more information about how to donate or participate, or require any promotional literature, a DVD or a speaker, please contact one of us.

Thousands of people of all ages, all nationalities and all levels of fitness will be keeping Terry’s Marathon of Hope going in Abu Dhabi. This 8.5 km run begins at the parking lot near Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort and travels in a circuit down the Corniche. Registration opens at 8:00 am on February 20. Run starts at 10:00am.

Please know that every dirham counts and yes, you can make a difference!
For more information, please contact one of the Co-chairs of the Corporate Sub-committee:

Pam Simmons
Email: pam@core-niche.com
Mobile: 050 328 6047

Anne McAdam
Email: Anne.Mcadam@nbad.com

For general inquiries: abudhabiterryfoxrun@gmail.com