The Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer Research

This weekend was a first for Ohsweken, seeing its first annual Terry Fox Run. We caught up with event organizer Miles General and the SixMiles Inspiring Friends team to find out what inspired him to bring this event to the Grand River territory. 

General explains that he had just completed a two-year jail sentence less than a day when he received a visit from his grandmother Roma Laforme who passed away from Cancer just eight months after his release. 

He finds his inspiration for the event multifactoral and draws from his experience with sobriety, family and the personal goals that he has set for himself. 

Investing in community

Well travelled as both an ironworker, Lacross player and now coach, General found the most rewarding investment he has made is the one he has made to his community. He wanted to dedicate this effort to his Grandmother but soon realized he had to honour everyone in the community facing cancer and those who have lost a loved one. 

Not all heroes wear capes. 

The event drew Ryan Sandy’s attention, who himself is taking a scheduled break from radiation therapy for his diagnosis. However, his participation is admirable given the physical and sometimes unseen effects these treatments have on the mind, body, and spirit. Proof that we don’t know what others are going through in their battles. 

Statistically Speaking

First Nation Populations are at greater risk of experiencing some types of cancers compared to their non-native counterparts. So much so that specific programming is required to assist with supporting our communities. 

Talk to your health care team to learn more and Take care of yourselves.