It was 40 years ago on April 12 that Terry Fox set out on his cross-Canadian Marathon of Hope, dipping his foot in the Atlantic Ocean to begin a historic journey that would change the path of cancer research across the country.
From that moment, Fox would travel 5,373 kilometres from St. John’s, N.L. to Thunder Bay, Ont. before his cancer would reach his lungs and cut his journey off early.
The Marathon of Hope was a dream of Fox’s, who was determined to raise awareness for cancer research and show everyone who saw him run that while cancer may have claimed his leg, it had not limited his spirit.
His goal was to raise $1 million for cancer research as he ran his marathon, and while he didn’t get to dip his foot in the Pacific Ocean on the shores of B.C, his incredible 143-day journey has led to a continued legacy that has more than surpassed his goal.
Fox himself raised $1.7 million for the Canadian Cancer Society during his journey and since then, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $750 million in Terry Fox’s name for cancer research initiatives in Canada.
In honour of the 40th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope, the Terry Fox Foundation is asking every Canadian to donate $1 to the cause, in reflection of Fox’s dream of raising $1 for every Canadian with his run.
The Terry Fox Run continues each year, with millions of Canadians stepping up to the starting lines in their communities to join Fox on his run in solidarity and respect.
This year’s annual Terry Fox Run will take place on Sept. 20 across Canada. Runs are often held here in Moose Jaw, and the city had a great turnout at last year’s run.
