CONSTANCE BAY – While the transition had its challenges, the results can’t be questions as the West Carleton Terry Fox Run raised more than $6,000 for cancer research last Sunday (Sept. 15).

This year Mila Dolezalova took over the main organizing duties from Bob Dupuis and Linda Cassidy. But the pair that have organized the event since Day One for the last eight years, played a big role Sunday as well.

The event, held at the NorthWind Wireless Fibre Centre in Constance Bay last Sunday and featuring several routes through the beautiful forests and trails that surround the community centre, was a success raising $6,559 (with more still coming in) and the transition of leadership made the event memorable.

Dupuis and Cassidy had decided to step down from organizing the event last January. But they wanted to help Dolezalova get comfortable with her new role. It also gave Dupuis the chance to say goodbye to the participants who have helped the, now trio, raise nearly $60,000 in nine years.

“It took me two weeks to write this speech,” Dupuis told participants and volunteers from the barbecue last Sunday. “It’s been a real pleasure. You guys are the people who keep it alive. Thank you to the volunteers who made our job a lot easier and a lot more pleasurable.”

Dupuis had to pause, overcome with emotion.

“Reluctantly, the time has come to hand over the reigns of organizing this event,” he said. “We have no concerns doing that now. Mila’s dedication was beyond our expectations. Nice job. Thank you, folks.”

Dolezalova took a few minutes to speak with West Carleton Online about her first kick at the can.

“Today’s been good,” she said. “A learning curve wit the barbecue, but I’m taking notes.”

Dolezalova wasn’t kidding with her clipboard in hand.

“It’s been fun, a bit stressful,” she said.

About 25 volunteers helped during the day and Dupuis said he was pleased with the turnout.

“We got a good mix of the old and the new,” he said.

Dolezalova says she hopes to create a committee to help with organizing next year and hopes she can still rely on Dupuis and Cassidy to help out a little bit.

“I’d love to have them as part of the committee,” she said.