Pierrefonds high school students get moving in fight against cancer

Hundreds of high school students defied frosty air and spitting rain to churn out results for cancer research late last month.

“These kids are troopers,� said Melanie Dault, one of a dozen Secondary 4 students who helped plan Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School’s Terry Fox Run on Sept. 29. “They’re amazing, running in this cold.�

More than 650 students ran or walked 12 laps around the 400-metre concrete running track at the George Springate Sports Centre, surpassing last year’s participation by close to 200 people. Pledges totalling at least $10 were amassed by each student and the final tally eclipsed the $7,000 raised in 2005, she said. The money will be donated to the Terry Fox Foundation. Due to the unseasonable single-digit temperature, some students made donations without venturing out on the track, said organizer Sarah Khan, as she shivered in the biting cold. For many, cancer has hit close to home and were happy to help, she said. One student raised $257, Khan added.

Fellow organizer Anam Mustafa was thrilled by the impressive turnout. “I would say this year’s a success. It was amazing from the beginning to the end.�

— Andy Blatchford