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 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 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, 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 – 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST (Google Meet)
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 Dates:
Coming Soon!
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:
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!
