'Cancer is insidious' says Thunder Bay, Ont., survivor in annual Terry Fox Run

For Marlene Britton-Walfall, participating in Sunday's annual Terry Fox Run for cancer research in Thunder Bay, Ont., is an affirmation of life.

"Cancer is just so insidious, you never know when it will touch you, or your family or friends," said Britton-Walfall, who has survived the disease, as well as what threatened to be a recurrence earlier this year.

It's the research dollars raised through this event, which have given her "a second and third shot at life," she explained.

"With the energy and encouragement and even inspiration that Terry Fox gave, when he did what he did in his time, and with the kind of support that is available when persons contribute to this kind of thing, I think it's an amazing thing to do."

'Live life!'

The Terry Fox Run is also starting to take on special significance as she reflects on her own experiences with cancer, as well as those of close friends and family.

"Because you know what could have happened, the what-ifs, so yes, it means you take every day as being a special gift and live life!"

Organizers in Thunder Bay were still calculating the total number of participants, and dollars raised on Sunday.