Another successful year for Terry Fox Run

The annual Terry Fox Run took place this past Sunday at Rotary Park. Hundreds participated in the non-competitive charity event. Many families showed up with children riding their bicycles, parents pushing baby strollers, people walking their dogs, and those who chose to run the five-kilometre loop to get a workout. The special event is all about showing support and donating to a good cause. The event has been held annually on the second Sunday after Labour Day since its inception in 1981 and is one of the most significant fundraising events in Canadian history.

Terry Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer at a young age and had one leg amputated just above the knee. It was during his hospital stays that he decided to make a difference for those who had cancer. He decided to run across Canada and collect $1 from every Canadian. The Marathon of Hope was born, and Fox began his run on April 12, 1980 by dipping his artificial leg into St. John’s harbour before setting off across the provinces. Due to the pain and suffering from his cancer, Fox was not able to make it to the western provinces and was airlifted back to the hospital. It was through his perseverance that donations for his Marathon of Hope continued and topped out at $23.4 million gaining him notoriety in the Guinness Book of World Records as the top fundraiser.

Sadly, Terry Fox died June 28, 1981, one month short of turning 23 years old. His legacy lives on, and today millions continue to keep his Marathon of Hope alive in hopes of one day finding a cure for cancer. As of January 2018, The Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $750 million towards cancer research.