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Scarborough residents are invited to do their part in the fight against cancer as a pair of local Terry Fox Runs are set for this Sunday.

Over the past two and half decades, the Terry Fox Run has grown to become one of the biggest community fundraising events for cancer research in not only Canada but the entire world.

This Sunday, local residents will joins thousands of other Canadians in community runs and walks to try and raise money to find a cure for cancer.

Virtually everyone has experienced the toll cancer can take - be it to a loved one, family member, friend or neighbour.

Every Canadian knows someone who has had to deal with cancer. Sadly, many also know that despite the amazing advances made since Terry Fox's death, cancer still takes too many lives every year. And each of those lives lost represents a special person who is remembered and missed every day.

It was 28 years ago in September that Terry Fox's remarkable Marathon of Hope came to an end on a stretch of northern Ontario highway not far from Thunder Bay. Despite having his right leg amputated above the knee because of bone cancer, Fox had begun his run in Newfoundland earlier that year to little interest or fanfare.

However, as he made his way across Canada the support began to build for this brave young man and by the time he reached Ontario he was a national hero.

One of the more emotional welcomes he received took place on July 11, 1980 at the Scarborough Civic Centre in which a huge crowd greeted Fox with cheers and tears.

Yet, less than two months later the Marathon of Hope would end as Fox's cancer came back and spread to other parts of his body.

He died in June 1981 at the age of 22, and the first runs in his honour were held in September of that year.

Fox is an inspiration to not only Canadians, but people around the world dealing with cancer.

On Sunday, Sept. 14 you are encouraged to join one of the two runs are planned for Scarborough and contribute to Fox's lasting legacy.

One takes place in Cedarbrook Park, just west of Markham Road south of Lawrence Avenue, with registrations starting at 8:30 a.m. For information on this run, call Ken Pearson at 416-284-4044.

The other is at Colonel Danforth Park, starting on Old Kingston Road in the Highland Creek valley, with registrations starting at 8 a.m. For information on this run, call Joe Lemoine at 416-282-8058.