Langley Teacher Shares Journey Through Cancer at Terry Fox Run

The annual Terry Fox Run in Langley takes on special significance this year as local teacher Andrew Campbell shares his personal journey with cancer. On September 14, 2024, Campbell will be the guest speaker at the event in Douglas Park, reflecting on his experience with Hodgkin’s B cell lymphoma and the impact it had on his life.

In late 2012, while preparing for his final exams in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, Campbell discovered lumps on his neck. A visit to the doctor in early 2013 confirmed his worst fears: he had cancer. At the time, he was focused on a career in law enforcement with aspirations to join the Vancouver Police Department. The diagnosis forced him to reevaluate his plans.

“It completely shifted my perspective,” Campbell explained. He began chemotherapy immediately, a process that proved challenging. “I think we caught [the cancer] early enough that it didn’t really get its claws into me,” he said. Yet, he emphasized that the treatment was difficult, relying heavily on his family and friends for support. His mother, a nurse, played a crucial role in caring for him during his recovery.

The journey was not without its trials. Campbell faced insomnia as a side effect of chemotherapy, often taking long walks with his family dog during sleepless nights. “It was just unbridled help, love, and support, and I am forever in all of their debt,” he stated, highlighting the importance of his support network.

Now a married father of two, Campbell expresses gratitude for both his health and the lessons learned from his experience. “I just learned to value and care for my family and loved ones in a whole new way,” he remarked. After overcoming his cancer, he shifted career paths, pursuing teaching instead of law enforcement, and has since obtained his teaching credentials.

As a long-time participant in the Terry Fox Run, Campbell fondly recalls his grandfather, who first introduced him to the event. Since his diagnosis, he has made it a personal commitment to never miss the run. “I will never miss it,” he affirmed, noting that he participates with an ever-growing group of friends and family. He is also dedicated to teaching his children about the run and its legacy.

The Langley event aims to raise $8,600 this year. As of September 4, participants had already raised $46,245 in pledges. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the run starting at 10 a.m. Activities include entertainment from Mr. Bubbles, the clown, and a local band. Participants can run, walk, cycle, or rollerblade along routes that accommodate wheelchairs and leashed dogs. Available routes include distances of 1 km, 5 km, and 10 km, with water stations on the longer paths.

The Terry Fox Run is part of a larger movement to honor the legacy of Terry Fox, who, at just 18 years old, faced his own battle with cancer. After losing a leg to the disease, he embarked on the Marathon of Hope in 1980, aiming to raise funds for cancer research. Over 143 days, he completed more than 5,373 km before his cancer returned, forcing him to stop. Terry Fox passed away on June 28, 1981, but his legacy continues through the efforts of the Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute.

The foundation has committed $60.6 million to cancer research in 2024 alone and supports initiatives like the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, which aims to provide personalized cancer treatment to all Canadians. Additionally, the foundation has established the Digital Health and Discovery Platform, designed to enhance data sharing and analysis across the country to facilitate advancements in precision medicine research.

As Campbell prepares for this year’s Terry Fox Run, he not only honors his own journey but also contributes to a larger cause that impacts countless lives. His commitment to the run and its ideals reflects a profound understanding of the importance of community, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity.