Terry Fox

Index

Announcing! our New Discussion Board,
where you can nominate a new famous Canadian or debate an old one.

Terry Fox

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but he was raised in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. When he was a teen, Terry Fox was very much involved in various sports, but at the age of 18, he was diagnosed with bone cancer, and had to have his right leg amputated above the knee.
Right before the operation, Terry read about an amputee who had completed the New York Marathon. He was moved by the man's courage and determination, and this story ended up being one of the main motivations behind Terry's ambitious Marathon of Hope.

In 1980, terry announced that he would make a cross-Canada run on his prosthetic leg in order to raise funds and awareness for cancer research in Canada. Of course, things weren't so easy at the beginning of his run, but as more and more people found out about Terry's efforts through the media, the money and support began to accumulate.

Terry never finished his run, stopping near Thunder Bay, Ontario after having run 5373 kilometers over 143 days worn out and in need of medical attention as his cancer reappeared in his lungs. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981, he was 22.

Terry Fox : His Story
Paperback

< Back

Home

If you have any questions or comments the best place to voice them
is our NEW Discussion Board.