Kick off Your Event with a Live Virtual Presentation!
Sign up for a powerful and engaging live virtual presentation with a Terry Fox School Ambassador and moderator and inspire your students to be part of something bigger. This year marks the 45th Anniversary of Terry’s Marathon of Hope, and we’re inviting schools across the country to join the movement to “Finish It.”
Through a dynamic, 40-minute, live multimedia experience, students will hear Terry’s remarkable story and see how his legacy continues to fuel life-changing cancer research today. These presentations are designed not only to educate and inspire—but to motivate students to take action by fundraising for critical cancer research. It’s a meaningful way to kick off or wrap up your school’s Terry Fox event, while connecting with schools nationwide in a shared spirit of compassion and community.
In addition to the core presentation, we offer an exciting lineup of live guest speakers (see below to view and book), including cancer survivors, researchers, Fox family members, and other changemakers, who share personal stories that deepen the message of resilience, hope, and the urgent need to finish what Terry started.
Presentations are free of charge and suitable for all grade levels. In return, we encourage schools to honour Terry’s legacy by setting a bold and fun fundraising goal.
Together, we can inspire the next generation—and Finish It.
2025 Guest Speakers
Kirsten Fox, Terry's Niece
Kirsten Fox,
Terry's Niece
Kirsten Fox is Terry’s eldest niece and has worked at the Terry Fox Foundation for over 13 years. Most of her time has been spent working in the School Department where she was proud to support schools in BC and Yukon host their Terry Fox Runs. Kirsten enjoys sharing her Uncle Terry’s inspiring story with students. Like them, she never got to meet Terry Fox, but she knows that one person can make a positive change in the world, just like Terry did. Suitable for all grade levels.
Watch Kirsten Fox talk about this year’s “Finish It” campaign!
Session Dates:
Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 – 1:00pm EST / 10:00am PST (Google Meet)
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 – 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST (MS Teams)
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 – 4:00pm EST / 1:00pm PST (MS Teams)
Mitchell Shaw,
Cancer Survivor
Mitchell Shaw is a resilient cancer survivor and former Terry Fox Ambassador in Alberta, who has inspired thousands of students to fundraise for their Terry Fox School events. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming cancer, Mitchell shares his powerful message of hope, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of Terry Fox. Join Mitchell for an incredibly upbeat and motivational virtual session that will inspire students to embrace courage and compassion, just like himself and Terry Fox. Suitable for all grade levels.
Read more about Mitchell in this article from Athabasca University!
Session Dates:
Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 – 12:30pm EST / 9:30am PST (Zoom)
Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 – 10:45am EST / 7:45am PST (Google Meet)
Sarah O’Neill,
Childhood Cancer Survivor and Doctor
Sarah O’Neill is a childhood cancer survivor and proud alumna of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program. Her personal experience with cancer ignited a lifelong passion for science, medicine, and cancer genetics. Today, she works as a doctor in Calgary, Alberta, where she is completing her fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. Sarah brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her presentations, and she is excited to motivate students to take action and fundraise for their Terry Fox Run in support of cancer research.
Session Date:
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 – 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST (MS Teams)
Anna Solnickova,
Cancer Survivor & Terry Fox Foundation Board Member
At 17 years old, Anna was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, the same type of cancer Terry Fox had. Terry’s courage gave Anna hope and inspired her to stay strong. Since 2005, Anna has been a committed supporter of the Terry Fox Foundation, sharing her story, fundraising for cancer research, volunteering, organizing a Terry Fox Run in her community. We invite you and your students to join us as Anna shares her incredible journey of strength and resilience. Suitable for all grade levels.
Session Dates:
Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 – 4:00pm EST / 1:00pm PST (MS Teams)
Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 – 12:30pm EST / 9:30pm PST (MS Teams)
Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 – 11:15am EST / 8:15am PST (Google Meet)
Judith Ray,
Terry Fox’s Nurse
At the young age of 24, Judith Ray became Head Nurse at Royal Columbian Hospital, in New Westminster, BC. In 1977, she met Terry Fox. Terry had been diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma and would require amputation and chemotherapy. Judith and Terry struck up a friendship. She became one of Terry’s biggest cheerleaders on his Marathon of Hope. Judith will share her personal memories of Terry to help students connect more deeply with his story. She also highlights that anybody can be an agent of change and fundraise for cancer research. Suitable for all grade levels.
Watch Judith Ray talk about Terry in this webinar!
Session Dates:
Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 – 11:30am EST / 8:30am PST (MS Teams)
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 – 12:30pm EST / 9:30am PST (MS Teams)
Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 – 9:45am EST / 6:45am PST (Google Meet)
Dr. Sachin Katyal,
MOHCCN Institutional Lead for CancerCare Manitoba
Dr. Sachin Katyal is a dedicated cancer researcher based in Manitoba, where he works as the Institutional Lead for the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN) at CancerCare Manitoba. With a passion for finding better ways to treat and understand cancer, Dr. Katyal leads teams that use science and technology to improve how we detect and treat the disease. He’s inspired every day by the courage of people like Terry Fox and is excited to share how cancer research is changing lives. In this virtual session, students will learn about the latest breakthroughs in cancer research and how Terry’s legacy continues to fuel hope and progress across Canada.
Watch Dr. Sachin Katyal talk about the impact of donations!
Session Date:
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 – 11:30am EST / 8:30am PST (Teams)
Jackson Charron-Okerlund,
Cross Canada Marathoner
Jackson Charron-Okerlund, widely known as CrossCanadaJax, is a passionate advocate for cancer research. After running across Canada and raising $100,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation, Jackson served as a School Ambassador in New Brunswick. He will share stories from his remarkable cross-country journey, inspiring students with his message of perseverance and resilience. As a guest virtual presenter, Jackson hopes to reach students across Canada, connecting Terry Fox’s legacy with his own experiences and motivating a new generation to embrace hope, community, and the spirit of giving back. Suitable for all ages.
Learn all about Jackson’s run here!
Session Dates:
Dr. Raymond Kim,
Medical Geneticist
Dr. Raymond Kim is a world-class geneticist and a passionate advocate for cancer research. With a gift for making science relatable, Dr. Kim will bring students into the fascinating world of genetics, showing how research can lead to life-saving discoveries. Dr. Kim will share his journey as a scientist, the real-world impact of cancer research, and how Terry’s legacy continues to inspire breakthroughs today. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect your students with a leading voice in Canadian medical science! Suitable for all grade levels.
Watch Dr. Raymond Kim talk about genetic cancer research here!
Session Date:
Christopher Garner,
Amputee and Golf Champion
Chris Garner was introduced to the world of Adaptive Sports, shortly after having his left leg amputated in 2018 due to complications from recurring osteochondroma (a noncancerous or benign tumor). Hear his remarkable journey from overcoming this significant challenge, to winning the 2022 World Long Drive Championship in Golf. Chris continues to draw strength from Terry’s legacy while being a passionate advocate for normalizing different abilities and sharing his empowering message. Chris has also launched his own “Terry Fox Challenge” to his local schools for this year’s event. Suitable for all grade levels.
Watch a highlight reel of Christopher Garner on the golf course!
Session Dates:
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 – 1:00pm EST / 10:00am PST (Zoom)
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 – 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST (Zoom)
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 – 1:00pm EST / 10:00am PST (MS Teams)
Euan Bingham,
Young Cyclist and Cancer Research Advocate
Euan Bingham is a 12-year-old from Cambridge, Ontario, who has transformed his passion for cycling into a powerful mission to support cancer research. Inspired by Terry Fox, Euan began his journey at age 7 by riding 70 km for the Terry Fox Ride of Hope. Over the past five years, Euan has raised more than $30,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Join Euan as he shares his experiences and encourages students to pursue their passions while making a positive impact in their communities. Suitable for grades 8 and under.
Watch this CBC clip about Euan’s Ride of Hope!
Session Dates:
Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 – 3:40pm EST / 12:40pm PST (MS Teams)
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 – 10:30am EST / 7:30am PST (Google Meet)
Owen Brady,
Cancer Survivor, Athlete, and Motivational Speaker
Owen Brady is a 22-year-old cancer survivor, former elite hockey prospect, and current kinesiology student at Ontario Tech University. At age 15, Owen was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the same cancer as Terry Fox, just as he was preparing for the Ontario Hockey League draft. His journey included a 19-hour surgery, months of chemotherapy, and relearning how to walk and skate. Despite these challenges, Owen returned to the ice! Join Owen as he encourages students to participate in fundraising efforts for cancer research by sharing his personal journey. Suitable for all grade levels.
Learn more about Owen in this W5 report!
Session Dates:
Coming in August!
Owen McDonald,
Cancer Survivor
Meet Owen, an 18-year-old university student and cancer survivor with a love for volleyball, music, and gaming. Diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Grade 10, he overcame one of life’s toughest challenges with the support of his family, friends, and loyal dog, Ronald. Owen admires Terry Fox for his resilience and views him as a true hero. Inspired by Terry’s legacy, Owen is now dedicated to using his own journey to remind others—at any age—that no challenge is too big when you don’t give up. Suitable for all grade levels.
Hear Owen speak about his story here!
Session Date:
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 – 11:15am EST / 8:15am PST (Google Meet)
Dr. Anne-Marie Mes-Masson,
Cancer Researcher - Session in French
Dr. Anne-Marie Mes-Masson is a Professor at the Université de Montréal and the Associate Scientific Director at its teaching hospital, the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. She has conducted research in ovarian, breast and prostate cancer and will be sharing how her research focuses on new treatments for cancer and the development of personalized cancer care. Dr. Anne-Marie Mes-Masson is an internationally recognized scientist who has authored over 250 publications in cancer research. Suitable for grades 4 and up.
Watch this reel of Dr. Mes-Masson’s lab!
Session Date:
Dr. Catrina Loucks, Dr. Sherri Christian, Dr. Anastasia Tikhonova
Join three amazing scientists—Dr. Sherri Christian from Newfoundland, Dr. Anastasia Tikhonova from Ontario, and Dr. Catrina Loucks from British Columbia—for a special virtual session about cancer research! Dr. Christian studies how cancer cells communicate with each other and with normal cells, Dr. Tikhonova researches how the environment around cancer cells helps them grow, and Dr. Loucks looks at how genetics can help personalize treatments for kids with cancer. They’ll share their journeys in science, what they do in their labs, and how their work is helping real people. This is a great chance to learn how science can make a difference—and be inspired to fundraise and support the vital work that makes these discoveries possible. Suitable for grades 4 and up.
Session Date:
Dr. Brad Nelson & Dr. Benjamin Lok
Join two leading cancer researchers—Dr. Benjamin Lok from Ontario and Dr. Brad Nelson from British Columbia—for an exciting virtual session about the future of cancer treatment. Dr. Lok studies how to make radiation and other therapies work better for people with hard-to-treat cancers, and Dr. Nelson focuses on using the immune system to attack cancer cells through a powerful treatment called immunotherapy. They’ll talk about their work, how they became scientists, and how their research is giving hope to patients. Don’t miss this chance to learn how science is helping save lives and how you can be part of it too by fundraising! Suitable for grades 4 and up.
Watch Dr. Nelson talk about immunotherapy here!
Session Date:
Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 – 1:45pm EST / 10:45am PST (Google Meet)
Dr. Robin Urquhart & Dr. Jeanette Boudreau
Meet two inspiring cancer researchers from Nova Scotia—Dr. Robin Urquhart and Dr. Jeanette Boudreau—in a special virtual session about how science is helping improve cancer care. Dr. Urquhart studies how to make cancer treatment and follow-up care better for patients across Canada, while Dr. Boudreau looks at how our immune system can be used to fight cancer more effectively. They’ll share their journeys into science, what they’re working on now, and how their research is making a real difference. Hearing directly from the scientists behind the breakthroughs will help students see how their fundraising for the Terry Fox School Run supports life-changing cancer research—giving hope to patients and helping save lives. Suitable for grades 4 and up.
Watch Dr. Urquhart talk about follow-up care for patients in this video!
Watch Dr. Boudreau talk about her work here!
Session Date:
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 – 9:45am EST / 6:45am PST (Google Meet)
Dr. Rod Rassekh
Meet Dr. Rod Rassekh, a passionate cancer researcher and pediatric oncologist from Ontario who is working to make cancer treatment safer for kids. He studies how each child’s genes affect how they respond to medicine, helping doctors choose the right treatments with fewer side effects. In this special virtual session, Dr. Rassekh will share what inspired his work, how science is improving care for young cancer patients, and why research is so important. His story will show students how their fundraising for the Terry Fox School Run supports real-life breakthroughs—bringing hope to families and helping kids live healthier lives. Suitable for grades 4 and up.
Watch a video of Dr. Rassekh talking about pediatric cancer here!
Session Date:
Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 – 11:15am EST / 8:15am PST (Google Meet)
Dr. Joanna Przybyl
Dr. Joanna Przybyl is a cancer researcher and professor at McGill University who studies how to better diagnose and treat rare tumors using advanced genetic tools. She leads her own research lab in Montreal and is also leading a Terry Fox Research Institute–funded project to improve diagnosis and treatment for osteosarcoma patients. In her virtual school presentation, Dr. Przybyl will explain how science and teamwork help improve cancer care, show students how exciting and important medical research can be, and inspire them to take action by fundraising for their Terry Fox School Run—helping to support vital research that saves lives. Suitable for grades 4 and up.
Read more about Dr. Przybyl’s work on osteosarcoma diagnosis and treatment here!
Session Date:
Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 – 9:30am EST / 6:30am PST (Google Meet)
Dr. Philippe Lefrançois – Session in French!
Meet Dr. Philippe Lefrançois, a dedicated cancer researcher from Quebec who is uncovering the secrets of how cancer grows and spreads. His work focuses on understanding the immune system’s role in fighting cancer and how we can use this knowledge to develop better, more targeted treatments. In this special virtual session, Dr. Lefrançois will talk about what sparked his passion for science, the exciting discoveries happening in cancer research today, and how young people like you can help make a difference. Students will see how their efforts in the Terry Fox School Run are supporting real science that brings hope to patients and their families. Suitable for grades 4 and up. Session in French!
Session Date:
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 – 2:15pm EST / 11:15am PST (Google Meet)
VIRTUAL PRESENTATION FAQS
Quick answers to our most-asked questions! For more information, reach out to us anytime at nishi.bansal@terryfox.org.
No Fee Required
We offer all presentations free of charge, and ask that you do your fundraising best in return!
Duration
Each virtual presentation runs for approximately 40 minutes, including time for a short Q & A.
Platform Options
We offer presentations via three convenient platforms:
Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.
Booking Availability
Book your presentation early to secure your spot, as presentations are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Flexible Options
Book a classroom or an entire school for a presentation!
Coast to Coast
Join us as schools from all across Canada participate in each virtual presentation!
