Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest Canadians – Terry Fox. His story is one that continues to inspire Canadians. His legacy is now part of the Canadian fabric.
He was a basketball player and long distance runner from British Columbia who had his right leg amputated in 1977 at the age of 19 because of cancer. He continued to run and in 1980, he began the Marathon of Hope, a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. Fox hoped to raise one dollar for each of Canada's 24 million people.
His odyssey began in April in St. John’s, Newfoundland with virtually no notice. Each day he ran the equivalent of a marathon – 26 miles. By the time he reached the Ontario border he was headline news. Huge crowds came out to see him. I remember his appearance at Toronto City Hall was extremely moving and emotional. His journey ended near Thunder Bay, Ontario when he was forced to quit because the cancer had spread to his lungs. He died nine months later on June 28, 1981.
Fox was a courageous and stubborn young man who endured a lot in his short life. His Marathon of Hope was not about Terry Fox but solely to help others with cancer. His attitude broke down many barriers and bias towards people with disabilities.
Terry Fox had raised just $1.7 million when he had to abandon his run. However, his family has continued his legacy and since 1981 there has been an annual Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research. The run is now held in 60 countries and has raised more than $500 million.
Terry Fox continues to inspire and give people hope.
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