What happens when two young runners, united by a shared passion and unwavering enthusiasm, join forces? They ignite a spark that leads to something spectacular. Such is the story of Maloe Bourquenez and Tan Wen Yi from IGB International School (IGBIS) who stumbled upon Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) by accident when they were Googling about NGOs in Malaysia. It was through this random discovery that they learned about CRMY’s successful organisation of The Terry Fox Run the last year, leaving them inspired to bring a similar event to their own school.
Since they love to run themselves, they believed this event would be fitting for their school, and upon discovering the Terry Fox Foundation, they were convinced that a Terry Fox Run (TFR) could be held at IGBIS. They took the initiative to organise the event at their school, aiming to raise awareness about cancer and contribute to the ongoing efforts in cancer research. Despite IGBIS hosting numerous events, a Terry Fox Run had never been organised there before. Surprisingly, the event exceeded their initial anticipation in terms of participations and funds raised.
“We set out with a mission to ignite awareness for cancer research by aiming to sign up 100 participants for RM 3,000. What we achieved surpassed our numbering forecast as we unexpectedly raised more than RM 9,000 and more than 100 individuals registered for the run,” said Maloe, adding that the success extended beyond the run itself when IGBIS was invited to CRMY Donor’s Appreciation Lunch and received recognition in Tatler Malaysia.
Success, like anything else in life, is not easily achieved without facing challenges. However, with proper planning, those obstacles can be overcome and that’s exactly what Maloe and Wen Yi did. The students had extensive meetings with Terry Fox Foundation and CRMY to obtain the necessary approvals for organising the run at IGBIS. The planning process was not only meticulous but also time consuming. Simultaneously, they collaborated with the school’s administration and facilities team to coordinate logistics such as layout, security, and parking arrangements. They also maintained constant communication with CRMY team to ensure the seamless delivery of event- shirts and provide updates on their progress.
Regardless of their thorough preparations, one notable barrier arose on the day of the run. The t-shirt distribution queue became lengthy, causing delays. Special thanks to Maloe’s mother for her rapid thinking and quick reflexes, the situation was efficiently resolved, ensuring a positive experience for all participants. Besides her, the students expressed deep gratitude towards their mentor, Mr. McBride, the teachers and school staff for their constant support in making the event as an accomplishment.
Wen Yi said the facilities team, led by Mr. Steven also played a crucial role in facilitating the event by arranging equipment, coordinating with security and IT departments, and providing logistical support.
“In addition to their logistical support, the administration team demonstrated their dedication by handling the necessary paperwork required by the Terry Fox Foundation. They diligently assisted in completing all the necessary paperwork, ensuring that the event complied with the required guidelines and regulations” added Wen Yi.
Although heartwarming stories from the event were limited due to Terry Fox’s lesser-known status within the school community, several Canadian teachers who had witnessed Terry Fox’s original marathon expressed their happiness and pride in the run, as he is considered a hero in their country.
The duo hope that their efforts will aid in finding a cure for cancer, as well as supporting advancements in materials, technology, and resources for those battling cancer. Looking ahead, the students aspire to continue supporting CRMY in future initiatives. They also envision the Terry Fox Run becoming an annual event at IGBIS, passing on the responsibility to younger students who share their passion for raising awareness and contributing to cancer research.
You too can make a difference like Maloe and Wen Yi. With your support, we can continue our work in finding a cure for cancer.
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