British Columbia - Periods - NDP & Change

Terry Fox

Placeholder image

Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete and humanitarian who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at the age of 18. In 1980, he embarked on a cross-Canada run, called the "Marathon of Hope," to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. He ran an average of 42 km per day for 143 days, covering over 5,300 km before being forced to stop near Thunder Bay, Ontario due to the cancer's progression.

Terry Fox started his run, called the "Marathon of Hope," to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. He was inspired to do so after losing his right leg to osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and witnessing the suffering of other cancer patients. He wanted to show that someone with a prosthetic limb could still be physically active and bring hope to others affected by the disease. His cross-Canada run was also intended to inspire people to donate to cancer research and make a difference in finding a cure.

Terry Fox started his "Marathon of Hope" run alone and without a support team. He relied on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and supplies during his journey. As he gained public attention and support, people joined him along the way and helped with various aspects of his run, such as driving his support van, handling media relations, and organizing events. Despite facing many challenges, including difficult terrain, inclement weather, and setbacks related to his cancer, Terry remained determined to continue his run and spread his message of hope.

As Terry Fox progressed on his "Marathon of Hope" run across Canada, media coverage of his journey increased significantly. At the beginning of his run, he received limited media attention, but as he covered more ground and inspired more people, media outlets began to take notice. Local and regional newspapers and television stations covered his run and reported on his progress, inspiring others to get involved and support his cause. As he reached major cities and towns along his route, the national media took notice and began covering his story, bringing even more attention to his journey and mission. By the time he reached Thunder Bay, Ontario, he had become a national hero, with his story making headlines across the country. The increased media coverage helped raise awareness of his mission and generate more support and donations for cancer research.

By the time Terry Fox reached Thunder Bay, Ontario, he had received a significant amount of support from across Canada. He had already run over 5,300 km, attracting widespread media attention and inspiring many people to get involved and support his cause. Thousands of people had made donations to the "Marathon of Hope," and local communities along his route had organized events and rallies in his honor. The outpouring of support and generosity demonstrated the impact of his journey and mission, and demonstrated the power of one person to make a difference and inspire change. Despite the challenges he faced, including the progression of his cancer, Terry remained determined to continue his run and raise as much money and awareness as possible for cancer research.

Terry Fox did not return home after reaching Thunder Bay, Ontario, as his cancer had worsened and he was unable to continue his "Marathon of Hope" run. He was admitted to a hospital in Thunder Bay, where he received treatment for his cancer. He underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and had his leg amputated above the knee in an effort to halt the progression of the disease. Despite the aggressive treatment, his cancer had spread to his lungs, and he passed away on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22. His death was a national tragedy, and he was remembered as a hero and an inspiration to millions of people around the world who were touched by his journey and mission.

The Terry Fox Run is an annual event held in his honor that raises funds for cancer research. The run was first held in 1981, one year after Terry Fox's death, and has since become one of the largest charitable events in Canada. The run is non-competitive and participants can walk, jog, or run a chosen distance, with the goal of raising money and awareness for cancer research. The event takes place in communities across Canada and around the world, and has raised over $750 million for cancer research to date. The Terry Fox Run is a testament to the enduring legacy of Terry Fox and his mission to find a cure for cancer. It serves as a reminder of his courage, determination, and selflessness, and continues to inspire people to make a difference and support the fight against cancer.

Timeline

  • July 28, 1958: Terry Fox is born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
  • 1977: Terry is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and has his right leg amputated above the knee.
  • March 2, 1980: Terry begins his "Marathon of Hope" run in St. John's, Newfoundland, with the goal of running across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
  • June 1980: Terry reaches Thunder Bay, Ontario, having run over 5,300 km.
  • September 1980: Terry is admitted to a hospital in Thunder Bay, where his cancer is found to have spread to his lungs.
  • June 28, 1981: Terry Fox dies at the age of 22.
  • 1981: The first Terry Fox Run is held in his honor, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for cancer research.
  • July 28, 1958: Terry Fox is born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 1977: Terry is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and has his right leg amputated above the knee. March 2, 1980: Terry begins his "Marathon of Hope" run in St. John's, Newfoundland, with the goal of running across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. June 1980: Terry reaches Thunder Bay, Ontario, having run over 5,300 km. September 1980: Terry is admitted to a hospital in Thunder Bay, where his cancer is found to have spread to his lungs. June 28, 1981: Terry Fox dies at the age of 22. 1981: The first Terry Fox Run is held in his honor, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for cancer research. Today: The annual Terry Fox Run is held in communities across Canada and around the world, and has raised over $750 million for cancer research to date. Terry's legacy continues to inspire people to make a difference and support the fight against cancer.

Culture & Politics

erry Fox had a significant impact on the people of his home province of British Columbia, as well as the entire country of Canada. He was born and raised in British Columbia and his "Marathon of Hope" run began in St. John's, Newfoundland, with the goal of crossing the country to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Throughout his journey, he inspired people in British Columbia and across Canada with his courage, determination, and selflessness. He brought attention to the devastating impact of cancer and the need for increased funding for research, and touched the lives of countless individuals who were affected by the disease. His legacy continues to inspire people in British Columbia and beyond, and the annual Terry Fox Run is a testament to the impact he had on the country and its people.

British Columbiahistory.ca is a visitor supported web site. If you would like to submit an article or opinion, please visit our blog at www.blog.British Columbiahistory.ca.

Reference: Article by (Staff Historian), 2023

i

History & Heritage

Tel: 1 604 833-9488

Email: info@canadahistorysociety.ca

Access History creates and posts content, articles, and subject matter relating to history and heritage
Copyright 2025 to Access history. All rights reserved and images and logos are created and presented for the general use of the public and educational institutions All content is the responsibility of Access.
Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Access terms and conditions
Placeholder image

All content and images are protected by copyright to Access History