Langley Teacher Andrew Campbell Inspires at Terry Fox Run

The upcoming Terry Fox Run in Langley takes on a profound significance for local teacher Andrew Campbell, who will serve as the guest speaker at the event on September 14, 2014, in Douglas Park. Campbell, a former kinesiology student, faced a life-altering diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his early twenties, a battle that reshaped his outlook on life and health.

In late 2012, while diligently preparing for his finals, Campbell discovered lumps on his neck. After consulting with medical professionals in early 2013, he learned he had Hodgkin’s B cell lymphoma. “It completely shifted my perspective,” Campbell reflected. At that time, he was gearing up for a career with the Vancouver Police Department, but the diagnosis redirected his path.

Immediate chemotherapy treatment followed, lasting several months. “I think we caught [the cancer] early enough that it didn’t really get its claws into me,” Campbell noted, although he acknowledged the challenges of chemotherapy. His family and friends provided vital support throughout his recovery, with his mother, a nurse, caring for him at home. Even his family dog contributed to his healing process, offering companionship during sleepless nights.

“I am forever in all of their debt,” Campbell expressed, highlighting the unconditional love and assistance he received. Now married and a father of two, he treasures his health and the renewed appreciation he has for family and friends. “I just learned to value and care for my family and loved ones in a whole new way,” he shared.

Post-recovery, Campbell chose to pivot his career towards teaching, acquiring his credentials to guide the next generation. “The insight and the experience that it gave me will always be life-changing, and I will always appreciate that,” he stated. His commitment to the Terry Fox Run remains unwavering; he has participated every year since his diagnosis, inspired by memories of his grandfather who first introduced him to the event.

As he prepares for this year’s run, Campbell is keen to instill the event’s significance in his children. “I will never miss it,” he affirmed, noting that his group of participants continues to grow each year.

The Langley event aims to raise $8,600, with participants having already raised $46,245 in pledges as of September 4. To join the run, registration begins at 09:00, with the run commencing at 10:00. Activities will include entertainment from Mr. Bubbles, a clown, and live music.

Douglas Park, located at 20550 Douglas Crescent, serves as the starting and finishing point for the run, which allows for various participation methods, including running, walking, cycling, or rollerblading. Routes are accessible for wheelchairs, and leashed dogs are welcome. Participants can choose between a 1 km, 5 km, or 10 km route, with water stations available for the longer distances.

This event is one of many across Canada honoring the legacy of Terry Fox, who began his Marathon of Hope in 1980 after losing a leg to cancer. Over the course of 143 days, he ran more than 5,373 km to raise funds for cancer research before his battle with the disease forced him to stop. Terry Fox passed away on June 28, 1981.

Proceeds from the Terry Fox Run contribute to significant cancer research initiatives through the Terry Fox Foundation. In 2024 alone, the foundation is allocating $60.6 million for research aimed at improving detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of all cancers.

Additionally, the foundation is involved in the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, launched in 2021. This network connects over 40 member institutions and 1,200 professionals across Canada to develop personalized cancer treatments tailored to individual patients.

The foundation’s Digital Health and Discovery Platform, a collaborative effort with the Terry Fox Research Institute, aims to foster innovative data sharing and analysis, ultimately accelerating research in precision medicine. This initiative represents a vital step towards enhancing the future of cancer care in Canada.

For more information on participating in the Terry Fox Run, visit terryfox.org.