Cancer survivor puts a face on Aurora Terry Fox run

September 23, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

Just a few short months into a diagnosis of throat cancer, Tim McClure was making arrangements for his own funeral.

The burial, the procession, even the music.

But, that was six years ago.

On Sunday, he was in front of a crowd at Sheppard’s Bush in Aurora talking about going to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats game the night before.

“It was a late night and an early morning,” said McClure. “But, I’m thankful I get to have some more late nights in my life.”

In 2011, McClure was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Over the course of the next twelve months, his life and those around him would be impacted more than one could ever imagine.

“I was a real healthy guy, so it was a real blow to me when I was told that I may not live past the next few months.”

Fast forward to three months later, and he was doing something that most people would never even put any thought into.

“May 19 was the day I was making my own funeral arrangements. I was even part of putting together the video my family and friends would receive of us in some better times together.”

But, following aggressive treatment, he was given the news from medical staff that he was on the road to recovery.

“Tim’s life took an almost unheard of turn for the better,” said event emcee Greg Smith. “Words like ‘miracle’ were being used by the medical professionals to describe where he is today.”

Since that day in 2011, Tim has gone on to build a foundation that helps guide others going through life-threatening illness. He is honorary chair of the Princess Margaret Foundation, and plays a key role in their Road to Conquer Cancer event, coming next week to the town.

He also touches thousands of people with his message of hope, speaking to professional sports teams, minor sports teams, high schools, universities and hospital foundation events. A book about McClure’s story is currently being printed, and he was recently asked to co-author a leadership book to be released in 2016.

“Everyone here represents the hope that one day every cancer victim can have a success story like Tim’s,” said Mayor Geoff Dawe.

Mayor Dawe said all who were participating Sunday morning were helping other cancer victims become survivors like Tim. Organizer Darlene Morrison said the event was a success, surpassing last year’s donation total before 10 a.m. with just under $18,000 raised.