Yep, if there was anyone that inspires and motivates, Terry Fox.
I always find it unusual when I cross paths with someone that has never heard the name. I know there are Terry Fox runs around the world, for some reason his story doesn’t resonate with all?
In 1977, as a young man of 19, he had his right leg amputated, after diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.
In 1980 he set out to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer….with a cross Canada run that began after dipping that artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean at St John’s Newfoundland. The goal, a marathon a day to the Pacific Ocean on th other end of the country.
He made it as far as Thunder Bay, Ontario….after 143 days, 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles)….where he stopped, the cancer had returned. It had days before that day in September, but he refused to go to a hospital until then, when hsi body said it couldn’t carry on…..he passed away on June 28th 1981.
HIs original goal was to have every Canadian donate just $1.
His dream continues, the first Terry Fox Run took place in September 1981, and every year since, the first Sunday after Labor Day.
Informal, no corporate sponsorship – Terry refused every offer of corporate sponsorship during his run.
The distances vary, the event takes place across the country and around the world…..(I’ve heard of events that have taken place on naval ships, and on the International Space Ship) …..as he said
42 years, $800 million raised…..and it continues on…
On Sunday I helped out at our small Terry Fox Run here in St Albert…..it was amazing, fun, and for all….there was no medals, it didn’t matter if you ran, walked, biked….it was a 5K loop, some went shorter…kids, grandparents, all, for one reason….it wasn’t about the run….something bigger than that.
I know a lot of my followers do not reside here in Canada, and may not know the story…but I just wish people would….
funny story….when the Winter Olympics took place in Vancouver, BC in 2010….at the opening ceremonies, a huge flag was brought out surrounded by a few dignitaries, singer Anne Murray, actor Donald Sutherland, skier Nancy Green, hockey Legend Bobby Orr along with Terry’s mom, Betty Fox. The NBC commentator mentioned it was so great to see Michael J Fox’ mom at the event. An honest mistake, maybe…….
So this is my attempt to share……and hopefully following this example, a selfless act….awareness is as important as the donations…..
I want to set an example that will never be forgotten.
Years ago I took part in a bike ride called the Ride to Conquer Cancer…our team name was ‘F Cancer’…..the fight continues, and I guess that’s why he called his run, the Marathon of Hope….
Like he said, anything is possible if you try
Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going.