Osoyoos woman who lost leg in accident will raise money for cancer research from her wheelchair at Terry Fox Run – Oliver/Osoyoos News

An Osoyoos woman who lost her leg in a motorcycle accident is running in the local Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research on Sunday.

“I set a goal to participate back in August,” Lisa Cassidy said in a message to Castanet.

“My husband and I were in a motorcycle accident here in Osoyoos last July and I lost my leg. It's taken a lot of rehab to adjust and heal. I'm also dealing with a concussion and wrist and hand injuries.”

When Cassidy was feeling better, she told her physical therapist that she would participate in the charity run.

Her teams at the Osoyoos & South Okanagan Physiotherapy & Active Wellness Center have therefore set out to prepare her for the challenge and will accompany her on the big day.

Starting at 9 a.m. at the Sonora Community Center, participants can walk, run or use other means of transportation to complete a 2-kilometer, 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer route along Lakeshore Drive. Cassidy is aiming to complete 5K, depending on her fitness level.

“I was driving around Osoyoos getting ready for the big day,” she said.

“I worked as a dancer and fitness instructor for 20 years before the accident and have always been inspired by people who push themselves to achieve their goals and Terry is no exception. As an amputee myself, I can only imagine the amount of strength, endurance and pain-overcoming it would have taken to do what he did.”

Cassidy said rolling was a personal goal, but also in memory of her loved ones who have succumbed to cancer.

In 1995, Cassidy's mother died of a brain tumor. In April last year, her father died of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones and lungs. Many of her friends are also currently battling the disease.

“I really hope that people of all ability levels come out and join me, roll alongside me, walk alongside me, bike alongside me or run ahead of me,” Cassidy added.

“Maybe just cheer us all on. You don't need incredible athleticism to take part. Just the will to achieve a goal and a big heart that has the courage to do so.”

Cassidy has already surpassed her fundraising goal of $750, raising $1,050 as of Monday afternoon.

Click here to learn more about Cassidy's fundraiser and to donate.