When Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope across Canada in 1980, he knew he was embarking on a challenging journey that could potentially affect many lives.
But even he probably didn’t realize the enduring effect that his dedication and inspiring story would leave on generations of Canadians. 28 years after his death, Fox’s legacy continues to thrive and, despite having long surpassed the simple goal of raising one dollar for every Canadian soul, the desire to raise awareness about the devastating disease that is cancer has only grown and spread, resulting in millions of dollars for cancer research in Canada and throughout the world.
The Terry Fox Foundation has, since its creation, taken in more than $400 million and agencies like the Canadian Cancer Society have had the numbers of supporters and donations incline steadily over the past several decades.
This is perhaps in line with the seemingly more frequent occurrences of cancer in modern times. An estimated 177,800 new cases of cancer (excluding about 74,100 non-melanoma skin cancers) and 75,000 deaths will occur in Canada in 2011. In 2007, cancer surpassed cardiovascular disease (heart and cerebrovascular) as the leading cause of death in Canada.
Although the majority of cases occur amongst the elderly, 850 Canadian children, aged 0-14 are diagnosed with cancer every year. Happily, with early detection and continually advancing treatment options, five out of six of them not only survive but go into full remission.
Just 18 at the time of his diagnosis, Terry Fox was an active, athletic teenager who was forced to undergo the amputation of his right leg due to bone cancer. Throughout his treatment Fox witnessed the struggle of many young cancer patients, which ignited his desire to contribute in a meaningful way to the cause.
Fox left Newfoundland in June of 1980 with little outside support, but all that changed very quickly as the courageous amputee skip-hopped through the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and part of Ontario before having to stop on September 1. Finding out that the cancer had spread to his lungs, Fox vowed to return to finish his run when healthy enough.
That time would not come, however, as Fox succumbed on June 28, 1981 at just 22 years of age.
Across Canada, groups took up Fox’s cause, pledging not to let his vision die with him. The Terry Fox Run is now an annual fundraising event held across the country and in various locations around the world. In Prince Rupert the event has been held annually for two decades and this year marks the 31st annual commemoration of Terry’s run and legacy.
Once again this year the Northern Savings Credit Union will be the starting location for the run, with registration beginning at noon on September 18. Would-be participants are invited to come walk, run, roller blade, bike or otherwise support the run as best they can. The run will begin at one p.m.
As always, in accordance with Terry’s wishes, the Run is open to all participants, with no minimum donation necessary and no fee required to participate.