Ms. Stephanie Rosenberg

If Stephanie Rosenberg can't remember exactly when it was she took part in her very first Terry Fox Run, it's most likely because she was only in Grade 1 or 2.

Whichever it was, it was the start of a personal tradition.Most years since then, the Thornhill native, now 26, has participated in the run.

Now an organizer, Ms Rosenberg will again be there this year when the runners set off on the Thornhill Terry Fox Run Sept. 14.

It all began when she was a student at Willowbrook Public School.

"I think we watched a video or he was on the news.It just hit me. I've been interested in it ever since," she said.

By the time she was a high school student at Thornlea Secondary School, she was even more keen on the run, volunteering one year to be on the school's organizing committee.

"I really admired the determination he had and the hope he had.When he was dealing with such difficult circumstances himself, he tried to see outside himself and inspire other Canadians and other people around the world -- not only to help themselves but to help other people with cancer," she said.

After so many years as a participant, Ms Rosenberg decided three years ago she wanted to join the event's organizing committee.Then last year, she stepped in when the co-ordinator couldn't do it.

"So this year, I decided on my own to do it," she laughed.
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Many of those who take part have been touched by cancer and have had family or friends struck with the illness, Ms Rosenberg said.That may explain why there's a high rate of return participants.

"His goal was to find a cure for cancer," she said.
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Now an organizer with the Thornhill Terry Fox Run, Stephanie Rosenberg has been taking part in the annual event since she was in Grade 1 or 2.