Terry Fox lost his right leg above his knee to osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in 1979, when he was 18 years old. On April 12, 1980 he set off on a cross-Canada “Marathon of Hope” to raise money for cancer research. He ran from Newfoundland, through Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario, running an average of a marathon a day.
On September 1, 1980, after 143 days of running and having completed 5,373 km, Terry was forced to end his run near Thunder Bay, Ontario, when the cancer recurred in his lungs.
In February 1981, Terry’s hope of raising one dollar for every Canadian was realized –Canada’s population was 24.1 million and fundraising totaled $24.17 million. Before he died in June 1981, Terry set the policies of the Terry Fox Foundation to ensure that all monies raised in his name are directed to cancer research.
The first annual Terry Fox Run was held on September 13, 1981, and 300, 000 participated. Today, the heroic, unselfish mission of one young man has served as inspiration to millions and Terry Fox Runs are held in many countries around the world.
To date, fundraising by the Foundation for cancer research has reached over $600 million.
Terry once said: "I believe in miracles, I have to. Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me”.
You can be part of the effort to find cures for all cancers. Walk, jog, ride or run 2, 5 or 10 kilometres at the Terry Fox Run on Sunday, Sept. 15, starting at 10 a.m. at Cheam Village, 1525 Mackay Crescent, Agassiz.
There is no entry fee and no minimum pledge. Just come out and have fun!