Rankin Inlet (Sep 10/03) - The hamlet of Rankin Inlet will hold its annual Terry Fox Run this month.

The Evaz Group agreed to co-ordinate the event, when it appeared the run may fall by the wayside when no local organization came forward to host it.

Event co-ordinator Anne Bradley said the Evaz Group was happy to step up and organize the run for this Sept. 14.

The run begins at 1 p.m. and participants are asked to register early at the Siniktarvik Hotel.

Bradley said her group was pleased when cancer survivor Jean Williamson agreed to be a Terry's Team member for the event.

"Jean is a survivor due to cancer research and that's the purpose of the run -- to raise funds to continue cancer research," said Bradley.

Williamson has been a Kivalliq resident for the past 43 years.

She has been a teacher and principal at Maani Ulujuk school in Rankin Inlet, as well as a teacher, principal and vice-principal in Arviat.

Williamson began her battle with cancer in the late 1970s. She found out she had cancer on a Friday, and was in surgery four days later.

Williamson underwent radiation treatment about two months after her surgery and has been cancer- free ever since.

She says most people just don't believe the day will come when they're sitting across from a doctor who's telling them they have cancer.

"When you hear the words, you're convinced you're going to die," said Williamson.

"That certainly was my initial reaction.

"I relaxed a bit after 10 years of going back for checkups and remaining cancer free.

"But you don't ever feel like you won't fall into that trap again."

Williamson said the Terry Fox Run has always been a great occasion for people in Rankin to get out and enjoy a pleasant day together, while, at the same time, raising a little money for cancer research.

"The cancer rate is pretty high in Nunavut.

"There are very few families who have not been touched by cancer in one form or another."

Williamson said she was quite pleased when asked to become a member of Terry's Team for this year's run.

"Not only does such a worthy cause benefit, but the run also helps to build a sense of community spirit and pride.

"I'm glad to be a part of that."