Remembering Terry Fox on the 40th Anniversary of his Marathon of Hope
“…I want to set an example that will never be forgotten.”
- Terry Fox, April 26, 1980
This Sunday, September 20th marks the 40th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
At only 18 years old, Terry Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have his right leg amputated several centimeters above his knee. But he didn’t let this struggle stop him. The night before his surgery, Terry set out a goal to run across Canada in hopes of raising awareness and donations for cancer research. He called this journey the Marathon of Hope.
After dipping his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean, Terry began his run in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 inspiring Canadians to donate with his passion and perseverance. Unfortunately, after a 5,373 km journey, Terry ended his run near Thunder Bay, Ontario as the cancer spread to his lungs. Terry Fox passed on June 28, 1981, but his legacy lives on.
We are proud to honour this Canadian hero as he is a powerful source of inspiration to Canadians and millions of others around the world. Terry has taught us that, no matter how difficult the circumstances, we can make a difference in the lives of others when we stand together.
We have gathered some of our favourite stories of those inspired by Terry and are continuing his work.
Luca, local Brantford resident and deafblind, raises double his fundraising goal while participating in the 2019 Brantford Terry Fox Run
Will Dwyer, 95-year-old prostate cancer survivor, raises over $1,000,000 for The Terry Fox Foundation
CTV News, Canada: 94-Year-Old WWII Veteran Hits 1M Fundraising Goal for the Terry Fox Run
CTV News, Barrie: Will Dwyer Returns to the Barrie Farmers Market
Ethan Smallwood, 7-year-old superfan of Terry, raises over $25,000 in cancer donations at Halloween
