Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope

April 12, 2017

Terry Fox

Terry Fox. The Canadian Press, 899916

1980

Terrance Stanley Fox, who lost his right leg to cancer when he was 18 years old, decided to run across Canada, running a marathon (42 kilometres) a day to raise money and awareness for those with cancer. Terry started his Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in April 1980 and continued for 143 days, until discovering that the cancer had spread to his lungs. He stopped in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He vowed to finish his run but, sadly, died less than a year later at the age of 23. In his memory, the fundraising has continued, notably through the annual Terry Fox Run, which has raised over $600 million for cancer research.

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