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Terry Fox Flag raising Sept 14 2026 (4)

Flag raised in Fort Frances in recognition of Terry Fox and upcoming Terry Fox Run

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The town of Fort Frances is again recognizing this year’s Terry Fox Run.

Mayor Andrew Hallikas joined with event organizers to raise a flag in recognition.

A proclamation was also read that affirms the town’s support for the Terry Fox Foundation.

He encourages others to lend their support.

“If you are unable to participate on that day, then please consider sponsoring someone who is,” says Hallikas.

“And although Terry could not complete his journey, we can collectively complete it for him by perpetuating his legacy as we participate in this annual run.”

This year’s run will originate this Sunday from the Nanicost Building, with participants running, walking, strolling, or biking to Point Park and back.

Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas joins with organizers of Terry Fox Run for flag raising ceremony at the Civic Centre, September 14, 2026. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia News

Registration takes place at noon with the run to follow at 1 p.m.

This will be the run’s 46th year, continuing Terry’s legacy of finding a cure for cancer.

Hallikas says Terry will always be remembered for his determination, courage and compassion, and sparking something that has become bigger than any one person could have imagined.

“And so today as we raise this flag, this Terry Fox Run is a powerful reminder that one person can make a difference and a community working together can make it even greater,” says Hallikas.

“And here in Fort Francis, we’re proud to be part of this legacy.”

Hallikas says the flag raising is also recognizing the countless people whose lives have been touched by cancer, their families and caregivers, the researchers, the survivors and the volunteers.

“We’re also celebrating the spirit of volunteerism and the communities that Terry represented so beautifully,” says Hallikas.

“Terry once said, ‘I just wish people would realize that anything is possible if you try.’ These words continue to challenge and inspire us. So today, as the flag rises over our community, may it remind us of Terry’s courage, his determination, and his unwavering belief in the possibility of making a difference.”

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New location for Fort Frances Terry Fox Run

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The annual Terry Fox Run is fast approaching Fort Frances.

The annual cancer research fundraiser will take place on Sunday, September 20th.

It has a new location this year.

Co-organizer Laura Bruyere says the Nanicost Building will be the starting point.

“And our run route is going to loop around the Point, returning to the Nanicost for some activities afterwards,” says Bruyere.

“It should work out to the same length, which is approximately five kilometres. But it just gives us more green space for us to spread out and do a little more activities following the run this year.”

They include a barbecue, games and events for the kids, a penny table and prizes to raffle off.

“Registration is open online at terryfox.org, and we’ll be taking registration the day of as well,” says Bruyere.

There is no minimum amount to raise. Bruyere says even a small amount can make the difference in finding a cure.

And while the event is promoted as a run, Bruyere says you can walk, ride a bike, push a stroller, or rollerblade the route.

“Just coming down to support our participants that are raising the money is really important. We look forward to people doing that as well.”

Bruyere says they still welcome donations of prizes for the penny table and volunteers interested in helping out during the day.

You can reach her at 807-276-1005 or Laureen at 807-276-8181.

Last year’s event attracted 80 participants and raised over $13,000, the second-largest amount in the local event’s long tenure.

The town of Fort Frances will help raise awareness of the event on Monday, with a flag-raising ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Civic Centre.

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Cyclists on 3,000 km cancer fundraiser route coming to Moncton

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A 3,000‑kilometre cancer support ride to PEI will pass through Moncton this week.

Five cyclists taking part in the Ride for Cancer Support: Pedal to PEI are travelling from Toronto to Charlottetown to raise money for free cancer programs offered across the country.

The group will visit Wellspring Bannon House in Moncton, where staff plan to welcome the riders as they continue their route east.

Jacqueline Bloom, director of cancer support at Wellspring, says ongoing fundraising is crucial because of the financial strain many families face after a cancer diagnosis.

“We need to continue fundraising because there’s such a financial burden when someone’s diagnosed with cancer, and they’re having to leave work if they’re working, and the cost associated with that is huge,” Bloom said.

Bloom says cancer touches almost every family and the number of new cases remains high.

“Everyone knows someone living with cancer, and currently 700 people a day are being diagnosed with cancer,” she said.

“So anything we can do to support that community, we’re here to do that.”

The ride aims to raise $500,000 to help fund its free, professional‑led programs.

The cyclists are expected to arrive at Wellspring Bannon House closer to 3 p.m. on Thursday

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N.B. man surpasses cancer fundraising goal

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A Moncton, New Brunswick man who set out last month to hitchhike across Canada to raise money for cancer research has reached his goal.

Twenty-one-year-old Quinn Strang hit the $100, 000 mark on Wednesday night, and the donations are still coming in.

RELATED: N.B. man hitchhiking across Canada for cancer research

The cancer survivor set out from Newfoundland on May 17 to take the same journey as Terry Fox did on his Marathon of Hope.

Strang is expected to dip his foot into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.

Funds will be donated to the IWK and the Terry Fox Foundation.

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N.B. man hitchhiking across Canada for cancer research reaches Northwestern Ontario

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A New Brunswick man is hoping his thumb will help to raise $100,000 for cancer research.

Twenty-year-old Quinn Strang, who is a cancer survivor, is hitchhiking across Canada to raise funds.

He was first diagnosed with cancer when he was 15 years old.

“I was diagnosed with stage four cancer. I had Ewing Sarcoma in my left femur, and it spread to my lungs and lymph nodes. I didn’t catch it till pretty late, so I probably shouldn’t be here today. After a gruelling nine-month battle involving chemotherapy and radiation, I was declared cancer-free. But I relapsed in grade 12, and then I had to get a femur transplant,” Strang explained.

Following that, he was valedictorian at his high school graduation, where he told his story.

Three years later, on May 17, Strang started his cross-Canada journey in Newfoundland. He plans to follow the same route as Terry Fox did on his Marathon of Hope, hitching rides along the way.

He spent Sunday night in Thunder Bay, and on Monday, he is headed for Kenora.

“There are just beautiful people all around, and I’m trying to showcase that as well,” Strang expressed.

“I have a propeller hat on and a sign, so I hope that makes me look more friendly, and people are more keen to pick me up.”

Strang added that he has found that if you smile, you’re more likely to get picked up.

He hopes to complete his cross-country journey by mid-June, but without a set schedule and not knowing when he’ll get picked up and how far they’ll take him, he is just taking it day by day.

“You just take it as it comes. I kind of live my life with a go with the flow philosophy. I just kind of see where the day takes me. I do try to set minor goals for the day. I’m on the road for 10 to 12 hours. So I just kind of see how far I can get. It really is a gamble. You could be waiting two hours for a five-minute drive, or you could be waiting five minutes for a two-hour drive, right? So I do kind of set little goals though,” Strang said.

Quinn has been in remission for almost 3 years, and his family says he wants to give back to the IWK hospital that did so much for him, along with the Terry Fox Foundation for research in the hopes of finding a cure.

A GoFundMe page has been set up, and as of 8 am Monday, over $67,000 had already been raised.

You can follow Strang’s journey on Facebook and TikTok.

Sylvia Jones May 7 2026

Colon cancer screening extended to more Ontario residents

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Ontario is lowering the age at which one can be screened for colon cancer.

As of July 1st, the eligible age will drop from 50 to 45 and 40 for those considered to be the highest at-risk.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones says it was prompted by new research that supports detection earlier than before.

“This is based on clinical advice that has changed over the years, and the fact that we were able to not only have that clinical advice but also be able to react to it suggests that when we are working as partners, we end up having very positive care and outcomes for the people of Ontario,” says Jones.

Jones adds that colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada, with rates rising among younger people.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer diagnosed in Ontario, and the second most common cause of cancer death among Ontario men and third for women.

With the change in age, the province estimates more than one million additional people will have the option of early detection sooner.

“Beginning July 1st, eligible people across Ontario ages 45 to 49 will start to receive letters from the ColonCancerCheck program to help them connect to an initial colorectal cancer screening test,” says Jones.

ColonCancerCheck now performs over 780,000 tests each year.

Residents without a primary care provider can access the test by calling Health811 at 1-866-797-0007.