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Terrance Stanley “Terry” Fox (1958-1981) - Bio
Through the heroic nature of his "Marathon of Hope," its compassionate motivation, pan-Canadian scope and tragic interruption, Terry Fox has become an enduring icon. More than 25 years after his death, the qualities of both the man and his run still captivate the country and resonate deeply with Canadians.
Born on July 28, 1958 in Winnipeg and raised in Port Coquitlam BC, Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma at the age of 18. When his cancer treatment included amputation of his right leg six inches above the knee, Fox became determined to conquer his infirmity "in such a way that I could never say it disabled me". He decided to run a marathon that would raise Canadians' awareness of cancer and funds for cancer research.
On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox dipped his artificial foot in the Atlantic Ocean off St. John's, Newfoundland, to begin his quest. He ran in all weather, sometimes accompanied, sometimes alone, setting a pace of about 40 km a day. He ran with a distinctive hopping gait that required tremendous energy because it forced him to work against gravity with each step, unlike the flowing rhythm of an able-bodied runner. His "Marathon of Hope," a 5,373-kilometre run, or nearly a marathon per day for 143 days, on one leg, is an outstanding feat of athleticism.
As the run progressed across six provinces, fascinated Canadians increasingly lined the route. Fox had a knack of engaging them in his cause: "If you have given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope," he said. Support for the run did not cease when Fox was forced to stop at Shuniah, outside of Thunder Bay on September 1, 1980 because his cancer had returned. Before his death, ten months later, Terry Fox had met his goal of raising one dollar for every man, woman and child in Canada.
Terry Fox challenged Canadians' perception of disabled athletes, their concept of their country and their commitment to fighting a devastating disease. His highly personal and inspirational humanitarian and philanthropic purpose has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars being raised by himself and in his name to support cancer research for the benefit of Canadians and people around the world. His courage is unforgettable.
Born on July 28, 1958 in Winnipeg and raised in Port Coquitlam BC, Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma at the age of 18. When his cancer treatment included amputation of his right leg six inches above the knee, Fox became determined to conquer his infirmity "in such a way that I could never say it disabled me". He decided to run a marathon that would raise Canadians' awareness of cancer and funds for cancer research. On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox dipped his artificial foot in the Atlantic Ocean off St. John's, Newfoundland, to begin his quest. He ran in all weather, sometimes accompanied, sometimes alone, setting a pace of about 40 km a day. He ran with a distinctive hopping gait that required tremendous energy because it forced him to work against gravity with each step, unlike the flowing rhythm of an able-bodied runner. His "Marathon of Hope," a 5,373-kilometre run, or nearly a marathon per day for 143 days, on one leg, is an outstanding feat of athleticism.
As the run progressed across six provinces, fascinated Canadians increasingly lined the route. Fox had a knack of engaging them in his cause: "If you have given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope," he said. Support for the run did not cease when Fox was forced to stop at Shuniah, outside of Thunder Bay on September 1, 1980 because his cancer had returned. Before his death, ten months later, Terry Fox had met his goal of raising one dollar for every man, woman and child in Canada.
Terry Fox challenged Canadians' perception of disabled athletes, their concept of their country and their commitment to fighting a devastating disease. His highly personal and inspirational humanitarian and philanthropic purpose has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars being raised by himself and in his name to support cancer research for the benefit of Canadians and people around the world. His courage is unforgettable.
