VANCOUVER, Sept. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Terry Fox Foundation is pleased to announce that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, is patron of the Foundation.
"The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General welcomed and recognized Terry 32 years ago during a visit to Rideau Hall. Less than 3 months after his visit, Terry was invested as Companion of the Order of Canada and, in 1982, the fountain in front of the Rideau Hall façade was dedicated the Fountain of Hope. We are therefore extremely honoured that His Excellency has accepted this role and we know that both Betty and Terry would join us in welcoming him to the Foundation and its broader family of supporters and organizers," said Mr. Rolland Fox, father of Terry Fox.
The Governor General is a strong supporter of Terry Fox, citing the young Canadian hero's contribution to the country and his generosity as an inspiration for all Canadians. During his installation speech in 2010, His Excellency spoke of how Terry's spirit and achievement brings Canadians together and how his cause endures three decades after the Marathon of Hope (1980).
"As a Canadian cancer research institute focused on both discovery and translational research, as well as training future leaders (scientists and clinicians) in cancer research, this support from The Queen's representative in Canada, is a wonderful endorsement for the Foundation and the collaborative work our researchers are undertaking at the best cancer research hospitals and universities in Canada to improve outcomes for patients," said Dr. Victor Ling, president and scientific director of The Terry Fox Research Institute.
His Excellency will participate in the Terry Fox Run in Ottawa on Sunday, September 16, 2012. This annual run held along the Rideau Canal will also be home to a new initiative involving students at Carleton University who are participating in Terry's CAUSE on Campus, a national event uniting students at universities and colleagues from coast to coast. (www.terryfox.org/terryscauseoncampus). As patron, His Excellency will also support the work of the Terry Fox Research Institute, which invests the funds raised annually from The Terry Fox Run, which raises approximately $24 million annually for cancer research in Canada.
About TFF and TFRI
To date The Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $600 million for cancer research worldwide. The Foundation maintains the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, National School Run Day and other fundraising initiatives. The Terry Fox Research Institute seeks to improve significantly the outcomes of cancer research for the patient through a highly collaborative, team-oriented, milestone driven approach to research with the goal of enabling discoveries to translate quickly into practical solutions for cancer patients worldwide. The headquarters for the Foundation and the Institute are in British Columbia.
The Terry Fox Foundation www.terryfox.org
The Terry Fox Research Institute www.tfri.ca
Terry's CAUSE on Campus www.terryfox.org/terryscauseoncampus
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
What: His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston Will Participate in The Terry Fox Run in Ottawa, Ontario
When: Sunday, September 16, 2012
Time: 8:40 am
Where: Anniversary Park on Carleton University campus
Joining His Excellency for the run will be members of the Fox Family, Terry Fox Run Organizers and Participants (including cancer survivors) and Carleton University students involved in Terry's CAUSE on Campus (CAUSE=College and University Student Engagement)
SOURCE: Terry Fox Research Institute
To speak to Mr. Darrell Fox, please contact:
Helen Cranney
604 675 8222
[email protected]
To speak to Mr. Fred Fox, please contact:
Claire Smid
604 701 0246
[email protected]
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