Empowering Students: Supporting Cancer Research through Terry Fox Run

Five months have passed since Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) organised the Terry Fox Run (TFR) in Kepong Metropolitan Park, yet Terry Fox’s story continues to inspire people, emphasising the importance of cancer and its research.

Mr. David Hornby began his education career in Vancouver, Canada

For David Hornby, an experienced educator, organising the TFR is nothing new. Having previously organised the event in Shanghai at Yew Chung International School, Gubei Campus; he recently brought the event to a new location—the Raffles American School (RAS) Campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor on April 29, 2023.

This remarkable event not only educates students about Terry Fox’s enduring legacy but also empowers them to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. As an international school with a diverse student body, RAS recognises the importance of uniting the community for a shared cause.

Participants of all ages warming up before the event

Events like the TFR play a vital role in raising cancer awareness and fostering community engagement in charitable causes. RAS students discover the global importance of supporting cancer research through Terry Fox’s legacy, reinforcing the understanding that cancer affects us all and necessitates collective efforts to combat it.

The planning and execution of the TFR at RAS exemplify the school’s commitment to community involvement and charitable causes. Students from elementary, middle, and high school eagerly participate in the event, with a notable presence of enthusiastic younger students aged 5 to 12. Their level of engagement reflects their genuine passion for the cause and their desire to contribute to the fight against cancer.

Getting ready to flag off at the starting line.

The students response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their satisfaction in challenging themselves and successfully completing the 2k and 5k runs. Their words reflect Terry Fox’s enduring legacy as a symbol of resilience and inspired the young ones to surpass their limits and persevere unwaveringly. The students admire Fox’s tenacity, and their steadfast determination to contribute to the cause is truly inspiring.

Organising such a significant event comes with its own set of challenges. However, RAS successfully overcame any obstacles that arose during the planning process. This year, the primary challenge was generating greater participation, a testament to the event’s popularity and the potential for an even more profound impact in the future.

Although the event did not feature special guests or specific initiatives for cancer awareness, the main focus remained on fundraising for cancer research. The collective efforts of the students resulted in an impressive fundraising amount of over RM 6000, highlighting their commitment and the generosity of the RAS community.

Young students completed the Terry Fox Run with a sense of accomplishment.

The impact of RAS extends beyond the TFR, as the school remains devoted to supporting various charitable causes throughout the year. RAS has provided aid to local schools in the Johor districts and extended support to Rohingya refugee children, showcasing their dedication to making a positive impact on society.

Looking ahead, RAS remains steadfast in its commitment to organising future charity events, including the TFR in April 2024. The school’s dedication to fostering community involvement and nurturing a spirit of compassion ensures that these initiatives will continue to inspire students and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Support TFR and CRMY, you can help us save more lives through impactful research in Asians.