Cancer survivor returns as volunteer
Chris Abbott
Grant Haven Media
The 2025 Terry Fox Run was Patricia Porter’s first as a cancer survivor. This year the Terry’s Team member from Delhi returned as a volunteer for the Norfolk County Terry Fox Run in Simcoe Sunday.
“I think it is an amazing organization,” said Porter, praising the Terry Fox Foundation and Terry Fox Research Institute.
“It’s a lovely place to have everyone’s support, these people are lifelong friends. Unfortunately, we’re part of a club no one wants to belong to.”
Diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and the 52-year-old was officially cancer-free on Sept. 5, 2026, Sunday was an emotional day for Porter.
“Absolutely it’s a celebration, you learn to celebrate everything after a cancer diagnosis. When I came last year, this was a place where I received the support and that ‘familyness,’ and now I am here wanting to support others. I want people to understand my story, that you can make it to the other side, and thrive.
I am thriving.
“Your perspective on life is drastically altered. You see things with a very different lens.”
As a volunteer, she was not running, but did run 5-km last year.
“I realized I wanted to give back. Because of everything I felt, I wanted to give back this year. Today, my husband (Nick) is running for me… 5-km, he had no choice,” she added with a laugh.
Porter, who had Stage 3 breast cancer, said she was fortunate that her side effects were very minimal during treatment. She was given ‘a few rounds of chemotherapy,’ surgery, and radiation.
“I enjoy telling my story because if it can change one person, then it was all worth it.”
Early detection is important, she said.
“Advocate for yourself. Advocating for yourself is very important.”
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