Langley Teacher Andrew Campbell Inspires at Terry Fox Run

The annual Terry Fox Run in Langley takes on a special significance this year as local teacher Andrew Campbell shares his journey of resilience following a battle with cancer. Campbell, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s B cell lymphoma in early 2013, will serve as the guest speaker at the event taking place on September 14, 2023, at Douglas Park.

In late 2012, while working towards his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, Campbell discovered lumps on his neck. This alarming finding led to his diagnosis and a swift initiation of chemotherapy. “It completely shifted my perspective,” Campbell reflected, noting that he had been preparing to apply for a position with the Vancouver Police Department at the time. The rigorous treatment lasted several months, during which he received unwavering support from family and friends.

Campbell credits his loved ones, particularly his mother, a nurse, and the family dog, with aiding his recovery. The chemotherapy treatments were challenging, often causing insomnia, which led him to take late-night walks with his dog. “It was just unbridled help, love, and support, and I am forever in all of their debt,” he shared.

Now married and the father of two young children, Campbell emphasizes how his experience with cancer has shaped his appreciation for family. “I just learned to value and care for my family and loved ones in a whole new way,” he said, expressing gratitude for his current health status. Following his recovery, he opted to shift his career path, pursuing teaching instead of law enforcement.

Campbell has participated in the Terry Fox Run multiple times and has not missed a single event since his diagnosis. He is committed to ensuring that his children understand the significance of the run and its history. “I will never miss it,” he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of passing on this tradition.

The goal for this year’s event is to raise $8,600, with participants having already collected $46,245 in pledges as of September 4. Registration for the run opens at 09:00, with the event commencing at 10:00. Attendees can enjoy entertainment from Mr. Bubbles the clown, who will be making balloon caricatures, alongside live music.

Participants can choose from various routes, including 1 km, 5 km, and 10 km, all of which are accessible for wheelchairs and allow leashed dogs. A water station will be available along the longer routes, ensuring comfort for all runners and walkers.

The Terry Fox Run in Langley is part of a larger national initiative honoring Terry Fox, a young athlete who, after losing a leg to cancer, embarked on the Marathon of Hope in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research. Despite his remarkable effort of running over 5,373 km across Canada, Fox’s journey was cut short by a recurrence of cancer, and he passed away on June 28, 1981.

The funds raised from events like the Terry Fox Run contribute significantly to cancer research through the Terry Fox Foundation, which allocated $60.6 million for research in 2024 alone. The foundation fosters innovative research aimed at improving cancer detection, treatment, and prevention, supporting Canada’s leading scientists in their quest for breakthroughs.

An initiative inspired by Fox, the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, launched in 2021, aims to provide personalized cancer treatment to every patient in Canada, regardless of location. This network collaborates with over 40 member institutions and more than 1,200 individuals, striving to revolutionize cancer care across the nation.

In addition to this, the foundation has developed the Digital Health and Discovery Platform (DHDP), designed to facilitate the sharing and analysis of data for precision medicine research. This platform will create a collaborative environment for researchers and healthcare professionals to enhance cancer treatment outcomes for patients nationwide.

With the Terry Fox Run approaching, Campbell stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, embodying the hope and determination that drives the fight against cancer.