Twelve months later, Streef's husband and two daughters are preparing for something similar, as participants in the fast-approaching Terry Fox Run.

But Cory won't be joining them.

Last November, Cory lost her battle with breast cancer, despite a valiant fight that included raising money for as long as she could to help fund research and increase awareness.

Albert Streef and daughters Fallon, 11, and Jillian, 8 -- students at Brookville Public School -- are now determined to help further the cause Cory was so passionate about.

"The loss here is profound," Albert said. "My commitment to the endeavour of raising money is in hopes that other families won't suffer the loss me and my daughters have."

The Campbellville residents are encouraging as many Miltonians as possible to participate in this year's Terry Fox Run in Milton, which will take place Sunday, Sept. 14 at E.C. Drury High School on Ontario Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Participants don't have to run -- they can walk, bike, rollerblade, or whatever else strikes their fancy. The length of the "run" can be one, two, five or 10 kilometres (whichever length participants choose).

Runners and walkers can pick up pledge forms beforehand at various banks and pharmacies around town and bring the funds on race day or submit it afterward.

They can also collect pledges on-line at www.terryfoxrun.org.

Organizers said the event will be a fun one, with musical entertainment by the Groovy Brothers and refreshments donated by local companies.

Last year, 600 people participated in the Milton run, with $49,000 being raised -- ranking number 20 in Ontario for money raised.

WALKED FOR DAUGHTERS

In an article the Champion did last year on local participants in Toronto's Weekend to End Breast Cancer, Cory had said she was taking part for her daughters.

She never wanted them to have to face the struggle she did after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.

Now the tables are turned, with her family participating in the Terry Fox Run in her honour.

Albert is also running for his brother, whom he lost to cancer in April.

A successful businesswoman, Cory was president of Faye Clack Communications, past president of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association and Produce Person of the Year in 2005 for her fundraising efforts for the flood victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"Cory was always a person who wanted to help and support other people," Albert said. "She put me ahead of herself, put the kids ahead of herself, put the whole world ahead."

Cory first noticed something was wrong in January of 2006. She was out of town and Albert said he remembers her calling home to tell him she'd discovered a lump.

The next few months were a whirlwind. After a biopsy came the diagnosis they'd feared. She had a lumpectomy on Valentine's Day and began chemotherapy and radiation.

That September, Cory participated in her first Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

By December, they thought she was in the clear.

Last September, Cory again took part in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer, although she was in some pain, not having felt right for a few months.

Not long after, she was told the cancer was back and that it had spread throughout her body. More chemo followed, but it became clear there was nothing more that could be done.

Cory passed away last year on November 8.

Albert said he hopes Miltonians will step up to the cause as his family has.

"I hope that out of this effort another family will be spared the tragedy and grief I've had to bear."

A unique way residents can be involved in the upcoming event is through the Metres of Memory program, in which people can dedicate a metre of the course in honour of someone who lost his or her life to cancer.

A sign is erected along the course in that person's memory. The cost is $50. Those who are interested should call Larry or Sue Masson at (905) 878-9132.

For more information on the Terry Fox Run, call Milton event organizer Jill Holman at (905) 854-1460. Pre-registration is not required.

Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com.