Yellow Flags & Leadership

September 16, 2024

Yesterday I ran 10k as a part of the annual Terry Fox Foundation (www.terryfox.org) run for cancer research. Though running 10k on a Sunday is not necessarily the way I want to spend my Sunday. I am not a huge fan of running, however, the inspiration from #terryfox is simply too much to not get me to lace em' up. When I witnessed a group of elementary school aged kids running, while proudly wearing their #terryfox #nomatterwhat t-shirts it hit me. 

While running yesterday, I thought about the impact that #terry continues to have on so many. His agency/action inspired so many movements aimed at improving the status quo that it is truly remarkable.

Some additional context and perspective on the topic:

In 2009, I found myself taking on the Ride to Conquer Cancer, spurred by a dare. At the time, I was a regular guy in my early 30's who hadn’t been on a bike since my teenage years, when BMX (In the 1980's Kuwahara's were too cool for words) jumps were my focus. This ride was a formidable two-day, 300 km challenge through #BritishColumbia and #WashingtonState to support cancer research. My initial inspiration for participating was a combination of a challenge from a couple of friends and personal: my dad had been recently diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to honor him and contribute in any way I could. Believing in the cause and driven by this motivation, I accepted the challenge, though I did not really know what I was getting myself into.

On the first day, there were over 1,300 riders. I showed up in running shoes, a mountain-ish bike, a skateboard helmet and looked out of place to the trained eye.

Upon my arrival at the opening ceremonies for this event it was clear that this was SERIOUS. I looked around at the other riders and among them were professional cyclists, semi-pros, and many everyday people like me, I tried to hang around those people. I noticed a small group of riders with bright yellow flags on their bikes. At first, I didn’t pay them much attention, I couldn't, I was focused the challenge in front of me the ride from Vancouver to Seattle. Upon reflection the internal resistance was growing at that time...questions like, can you do this? You are not a cyclist? What are you doing here? I ignored that resistance.

As the ride continued, and the opening ceremonies finished I observed something interesting about those people riding with the yellow flags on their bikes. Those "yellow flag" riders carried an intense determination and resilience that was hard to ignore.

By the end of the first day, after 165 km, I was completely drained and aching in ways I hadn’t imagined. At camp, as I tried to recover, a speaker explained the meaning behind the yellow flags. They weren’t just a symbol of endurance but represented riders who were either cancer survivors or currently undergoing treatment. This revelation struck me, I felt a lump in my throat and tears welling up. The courage and resilience of these riders was profoundly moving, reminding me of my dad’s own battle with cancer. These riders came in all shapes and sizes. Some from middle aged men to women in the mid-20's to grandparents. To the untrained eye they were very different from each other. However, on the bike the look in their eyes could not be any more similar. It’s that same look that Terry had.

Terry Fox’s legacy seemed to resonate even more strongly in that moment. His example has inspired countless individuals to push their own limits and support the fight against cancer. Without Terry’s courage, the yellow flags, and the progress in cancer research we see today might not exist.

To those who rode with yellow flags, your strength and perseverance are incredibly inspiring. Keep pedaling, knowing that your journey makes a difference.

And to Terry Fox, thank you. Your courage, vision, and sacrifice have left a lasting impact. Your legacy continues to inspire and drive change in ways that words can scarcely convey.