Carleton Place school raises over $11,000 for Terry Fox Foundation, inspired by student’s courageous cancer journey

A Carleton Place elementary school went the extra mile this year for their Terry Fox fundraiser, raising an incredible $11,754. The school community was inspired by a deeply personal story of one of their own; UCDSB student Sam Rudge, daughter of the school’s vice principal Sarah Rudge, has been bravely battling osteosarcoma, the same cancer that Terry Fox had.

Sam was diagnosed in September, 2023, after experiencing persistent leg pain and swelling in her knee. Following months of intensive chemotherapy and a complex 11-hour surgery involving a full knee replacement, Sam reached remission. Now, she is continuing to work hard in physiotherapy to regain mobility.

This September, Sam joined Arklan’s Terry Fox kickoff assemblies, sharing her story with students and answering their questions. The story of her journey motivated the school to organize a variety of activities, including pie-in-the-face challenges to hair donation pledges, with the goal of supporting cancer research.

“I’m so proud of our students and staff for the incredible support they’ve shown Sam and the Terry Fox Foundation,” said mom and vice principal Sarah. “Sam’s bravery has inspired us all, and our community has demonstrated the power of hope and compassion.”

Sam is currently completing Grade 12 at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute, and hopes to attend Algonquin College to study animation after graduation.

“When we set our initial goal, I ambitiously wanted to raise between $5,000-$8,000. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could bring in a final total of more than $11,000,” said Sarah, who cut off 16 inches of her own hair for donation.

“I know that Terry’s legacy carries on in the hearts of all Canadians, and I hope that Sam’s legacy can carry on for this great community,” she added. “I am eternally grateful and am so proud to be an Arklan Wildcat!”