Area students hit the streets in honour of a Canadian hero

Jack and Kate Bowness happy to do what they can for cancer research.

Students from Widdifield Secondary, W. J. Fricker Senior and ET Carmichael elementary schools took over Ski Club Road and area streets Friday as they marched for a man that has left an indelible impression on Canadians ‘Terry Fox’.

About 1,500 students gathered on the football field at Widdifield for the 3rd annual Walk, Run or Roll a national school run in honour of Fox and his 'Marathon of Hope' for cancer research.

A number of students walked for the cause, others walked for loved ones and others walked for themselves. Grade 8 student Christie Hennessy (W.J. Fricker) talked to the students about her battle with the disease.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 after going to the doctor for what she believed was an ear ache. Following treatment at Sick Kids for a tumour that was between her heart and lungs, Hennessy was quarantined to her house.

“I was a prisoner in my house,” she tells the crowd.

“But now I am perfectly fine … no meds … and I have made it past the three year point.”

Meanwhile, for the first time in 11 years cancer survivor Paige Shemilt walked without fanfare or giving a speech, she simply walked for herself. Fellow classmate Kaitlin Smith, who walked for her grandfather last year, walked for her mom Sue who is now battling the disease. Sue Smith was diagnosed with cancer following last year’s walk.

For Jack and Kate Bowness this was their first year at Fricker and for the walk, but both fully understood the event and what Terry Fox did for cancer research.

“I am walking for cancer research, and it means so much to see kids devoted and donating all this money,” says Jack.

“Because kids are sick all over the world and are dying from cancer.”

Widdifield teacher Gina Armstrong-Aro, who calls herself a cancer victor not victim, says she is proud of what all the students have accomplished. She tells the students because of their commitment the monies raised allowed her doctors time to practice, research her type of cancer, and allow her to keep her leg.

“It’s still there … and it’s still mine,” she states.