THE MARATHON OF HOPE


Terrance Stanley Fox (1958-1981) was mostly known for being the runner for "Marathon of Hope". He was born is Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 28th in 1958. Terry Fox was very athletic from a young age. He was raised in British Columbia. Bone cancer had hit him while he was studying kinesiology in 1977. It was a rare type of bone cancer called estrogenic sarcoma. His right leg had to impute six inches above his knee, as a result. While he was recovering, he developed his idea for the "Marathon of Hope". This was a run across Canada to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

The run began on April 12th 1980 in St. John's, Newfoundland. There was little attention at the beginning but as the time passed, Terry Fox's campaign had gained momentum as donations began to mount steadily.

Terry Fox was forced to stop running on September 1st, 1980 when cancer had been discovered in his lungs, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He had run for 143 days and 5,373 kilometers. Terry Fox inspired a nation and people around the world during his "Marathon of Hope" by running 43 km a day through the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec and Ontario.

One month before Terry Fox's 23rd birthday, he passed away, dated June 28th, 1981.

He had a dream to collect a dollar from every Canadian. Soon, the dream was realized. The Terry Fox Marathon of hope is held in 60 countries around the world that contained over a thousand participants, had raise estimated of $250 million for cancer research.

For Terry Fox's heroic efforts and perseverance, there is a mountain named after him in British Columbia. Also he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. Along with the annual worldwide Marathon of Hope, his legacy has been preserved through numerous awards and grants in his name.