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Sing and spin for the cure

If you're Canadian, you know who Terry Fox is. For our international friends, here's a quick history lesson: Fox became famous for his Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research.

If you're Canadian, you know who Terry Fox is. For our international friends, here's a quick history lesson:

Fox became famous for his Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research. Fox began his run, with one prosthetic leg, on April 12, 1980 in St. John's, Newfoundland. After running through the maritime provinces, Quebec and most of Ontario - 5,373 km - he was stopped on Sept. 1, 1980 in Shuniah, Ont. The cancer that began in his leg had spread to his lungs.

He died in 1981 at the age of 22.

Now, each September, people across the world participate in the Terry Fox Run, the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research.

Here in Whistler, the Four Seasons Resort is organizing a three-day event in support of the annual fundraising efforts.

It starts on Friday, Sept. 11 with the Sing and Spin for the Cure party at Merlin's, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. According to organizer Elena Beveridge, the local arts community has really stepped up to help out with the event - musicians Jon Shrier, Rachel Thom, Pierre Eady, Den Tandt, Aperture, DJ Phroh, and Chili Thom are all on board to entertain the crowds, while Emile Sanchez teaches free salsa lessons and Vanessa Stark paints live. Stark's finished painting will be among items available in a silent auction. Tickets to this evening of fun and entertainment are $5 at the door.

On Saturday evening, the Fox festivities continue with a special talk with the runner's high school coach, Bob McGill, at the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Afterwards, there will be a Q&A session and a film screening of the Terry Fox Movie. Admission is $10 at the door for adults (children are free).

On Sunday is the run itself at Meadow Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and people can enjoy the grilled goods provided by Splitz Grill, Subway and Mumz Kitchen for a $10 donation. Expect some solid live entertainment, as well as face painting and a bouncy castle for the kids.