By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brad Eggett is hoping Wallaceburg’s Terry Fox Run will raise $45,000 to mark the 45th year since the iconic event took place.
The avid runner and his wife Moira have been organizing the town’s run for nine years straight.
This year is no different.
“I appreciate the Terry Fox Foundation as they strive for treatments of cancers, including blood cancers,” Brad said in a recent interview. “Let’s do what Terry desperately wanted to do and finish it.”
Brad was diagnosed with leukemia last year. While his own diagnosis hits close to home, Eggett has another reason for supporting the run. He lost his sister Laurel to leukemia – a more acute form than the one he’s afflicted with.
“I’m very fortunate,” he added, noting he’s being treated by the same London hematologist Laurel had.
“Everything is working out,” Eggett said of the health care that he’s received. “The system has been working very well for me.”
Famous for his dogged determination, Terry Fox dipped his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean April 12, 1980, having lost his leg to the disease. With his cancer in remission, Fox set out to run across the country to raise awareness and cash for cancer research.
However, his cancer returned and Fox was forced to stop on Sept. 1, 1980 after completing 5,373 kilometres.
But in the years since, his legacy lives on. More than $900 million has been raised for cancer research worldwide.
Eggett has been doing his part. This year marks the 30th time the optician has participated in the run that started in Wallaceburg in 1982. Along with his daughter Sionaid, he’s also planning to take part in the Terry Fox Confederation Bridge Event Sept. 21 running on the structure that connects New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
“I’m pumped about running there,” he said. “I’ve never been able to go before and it should be a deeply rewarding and emotional experience.”
Last year’s Wallaceburg run brought in $44,000 for cancer research, a significant jump over the $20,000 raised in 2023.
Those wishing to donate to Eggett’s fundraiser can do so online at run.terryfox.ca/page/bradleyeggett.
Terry Fox shirts emblazoned with #Finish It can be purchased at New Vision Optical Centre in Wallaceburg at 455 James St.
