A local breast cancer survivor is calling on people to support the annual Orillia Terry Fox Run coming up this weekend.
Orillia's Ferne Foster, 86, discovered she had a lump in her breast in January 2019.
"I didn't know it was malignant until my doctor told me,” she explained. "When he told me, we both started to cry."
While Foster initially feared for her future, she started to believe she could fight off the illness.
"The spirit of my mother and my two children gave me the confidence that I could get through it," she said. "They were always there for me."
She underwent four years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. While it was a challenging time, she always stayed positive.
"I looked after my husband, Don, for 10 years, and he had cancer," she said. "Together, we owned Foster Appliances in Orillia for 50 years, and when he was sick, I had to look after the store."
She says she's a "strong person," which is why she made it through remission.
On Sunday, Foster will participate in the Terry Fox Run at Tudhope Park. She says it's her way of giving back to the doctors and nurses who aided her at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital.
"The staff were so wonderful," she said. "Because of that, and me being a survivor, I'm going to use my walker and try to make some money for this."
While Foster has several challenges with mobility, she believes she can push through to walk in the Terry Fox Run.
"Terry Fox was one in a million. If he can do it, maybe I can do a little bit, too," she said.
Ahead of the run, Foster has raised nearly $3,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. (To donate on her behalf, click here.)
"Everybody has been so kind. Nobody that I've asked has said no," she said.
Because Foster has been "good-hearted" throughout her life, she believes the community is willing to help her with the fundraiser.
"If someone is ever having a problem, I'm always there for them," she said. "There is nothing like having a good friend, and I have lots of them."
Foster's daughters, Kelly and Debbie, refer to their mother as "the warrior princess."
"We are pretty proud of her," Kelly said. "Whether she finishes the run or not, she still deserves a gold for her efforts."
Those wanting to take part in the Orillia Terry Fox Run or make a donation can find more information here.
