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Terry Fox

Sport, Activism · BC

Sport Activism

Ran 5,373 km on one leg to raise money for cancer research.

Quick Facts

BornJuly 28, 1958
DiedJune 28, 1981
Age23 years
ProvinceBC
Era1946-1980
💡 Terry once said he was not a good runner before his diagnosis. He trained by running to the end of his street and back.

Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist who, after losing his right leg to cancer, embarked on a cross-Canada run called the Marathon of Hope. He ran 5,373 km in 143 days before cancer forced him to stop near Thunder Bay. He died in 1981 at age 22.

🍁 Why They Matter to Canada

Terry Fox showed Canada — and the world — that one determined person can change everything. The Marathon of Hope has now raised over $850 million for cancer research globally. Every September, millions of people in 60+ countries run in his name.

📅 Life Timeline

🎂
1958
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Terry Stanfield Fox was born on July 28 in Winnipeg, later moving to Port Coquitlam, BC.
💭
1977
Diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma
At 18, Terry was diagnosed with bone cancer. His right leg was amputated 15 cm above the knee. In hospital he read about an amputee running the New York Marathon and began planning his own run.
⭐
1980
Marathon of Hope begins
Terry dipped his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean in St. John's, Newfoundland on April 12 and began running west across Canada, aiming to raise $1 per Canadian for cancer research.
💭
1980
Forced to stop near Thunder Bay
After 143 days and 5,373 km, cancer had spread to Terry's lungs. He stopped outside Thunder Bay on September 1. His run had raised $24 million.
🕊️
1981
Passed away, age 22
Terry Fox died on June 28, 1981, one month before his 23rd birthday. The nation mourned.
⭐
1981
Terry Fox Run established
The first Terry Fox Run was held across Canada, with 300,000 participants raising $3.5 million. It became an annual tradition in 60+ countries.

💬 Their Words

I am not a quitter. I cannot give up. I have to keep going.
— Terry Fox
Marathon of Hope, 1980

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