While the mood at Westmount High was enthusiastic Friday morning, many students consider the Terry Fox Run a commemoration of loved ones.
Students were asked how many of them had been affected by cancer; nearly everyone in the auditorium raised their hand.
“My cousin died two weeks ago from cancer, so it hurt the family a lot,” said Grade 11 student Zac Wolofsky.
“She was one of the sweetest people I ever met.”
About 900 students from Westmount High and the Mackay Centre participated in the annual Terry Fox Walk and Roll.
READ MORE: Montreal man, cancer survivor, marks 35th consecutive Terry Fox run
This is the 36th edition of the run to honour Terry Fox‘s unfinished journey.
“One of my mom’s friends passed away this summer,” said Karlee Thomas.
“The amount of people who raised their hands in the auditorium is scary.”
Students brought homemade signs and walked three kilometers through the streets of Westmount.
READ MORE: Terry Fox’s father passes away at age 80
It’s a tradition many are proud of.
“Many schools don’t do this,” noted Thomas.
“We’re such a family, that it’s so empowering and I’m so honoured.”
Fox’s initial goal was to raise $1 million for cancer research.
As his run progressed, so did his dream; to raise $1 for every Canadian, a total of $24 million at the time.
READ MORE: Marking 35 years since Terry Fox’s death
Now, about $650 million has been raised in Fox’s name.
He was only 18 when he was diagnosed with cancer, around the same age as many of the students.
“It’s really hard to believe at that young age he had so much taken away from him,” said 17-year-old Giorgio Discala.
“Life is short, but he had this goal and he was dedicated. It shows you power of perseverance and going through the struggles of life makes you a better person.”