Terry Fox

Discover the life of Terry Fox — the Canadian athlete whose “Marathon of Hope” turned personal tragedy into nationwide inspiration. Explore his journey, values, and powerful quotes that continue to motivate millions.

Introduction

Terrance Stanley “Terry” Fox (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and national icon who captured the world’s imagination with his bold attempt to run across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

Although his “Marathon of Hope” was cut short by illness, his courage, resolve, and compassion left a lasting legacy — thousands of “Terry Fox Runs” are held annually worldwide in his honour.

Early Life and Family

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 28, 1958, to Rolly (Rolland) and Betty Fox.

When Terry was a child, his family settled in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.

From a young age, Terry was active and athletic—he played basketball, ran cross‐country, and participated in school sports.

Youth and Education

Terry attended Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School, where he engaged in athletics and showed promise in both cross‐country running and basketball. Simon Fraser University, continuing his involvement in basketball and distance running.

However, in 1977, his life changed drastically: he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) affecting his right leg.

Rather than resigning himself to limitation, he resolved to use his condition as a platform to help others affected by cancer.

Career, the Marathon of Hope, and Achievements

Conception of the Marathon of Hope

Inspired by reading about an amputee who ran in the New York City Marathon, Terry Fox conceived a plan: to run across Canada, one marathon (≈ 42 km) per day, using a prosthetic leg, with the aim of raising money and awareness for cancer research.

He began training quietly, planning his route, and gathering support. He sent letters seeking funding for a van, shoes, and support.

The Run

On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox started his Marathon of Hope, departing from St. John’s, Newfoundland, and intending to run westwards across the nation.

As he progressed, public awareness, media attention, and donations grew. He was greeted by crowds and supporters in communities across Canada.

Unfortunately, after covering about 5,373 km (3,339 miles) over 143 days, he was forced to stop near Thunder Bay, Ontario, when cancer had spread to his lungs.

Impact, Recognition & Legacy

Although his run ended prematurely, Terry’s efforts had profound effects. He raised millions of Canadian dollars for cancer research, and galvanized public support and awareness.

Following his death on June 28, 1981, across Canada and beyond, Terry Fox was honored in many ways:

• The Terry Fox Run was established in 1981 and has since become a global fundraising event for cancer research.

• He was named a Companion of the Order of Canada — the youngest person ever so honored.

• He was awarded the Lou Marsh Award as Canada’s top athlete in 1980.

• Statues, memorials, schools, roads, athletic facilities, and monuments have been dedicated in his name across Canada.

• His story has been recounted in books and films, notably the pictorial biography Terry by Douglas Coupland (2005) and dramatizations of the Marathon of Hope.

His name carries symbolic weight in Canadian culture — he is widely regarded as a national hero and a model of perseverance, humility, and altruism.

Personality and Values

Determination & Tenacity

Terry’s defining trait was persistence. He accepted pain and hardship, pushed beyond personal limits, and refused to be defined by his illness.

Humility & Service

He did not run for fame or fortune, but to help others. He saw his run as a platform to raise awareness and support cancer patients and research.

Optimism & Vision

Though he knew the risks, he believed that “anything’s possible if you try.”

Empathy & Inspiration

Terry expressed that his suffering was small compared to that endured by cancer patients undergoing treatment. He wanted his run to amplify the voices of those suffering, not center himself.

Famous Quotes by Terry Fox

Here are selected quotes from Terry Fox that reflect his spirit, purpose, and mindset (sourced from official or reliable collections).

“I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.” “I want to try the impossible to show that it can be done.” “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going.” “It took cancer to realize that being self-centered is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.” “I’ve said to people before that I’m going to do my very best to make it, I’m not going to give up. But I might not make it… if I don’t, the Marathon of Hope better continue.” “There can be no reason for me to stop. No matter what pain I suffer, it is nothing compared to the pain of those who have cancer, of those who endure treatment.” “Some people can’t figure out what I’m doing. It’s not a walk-hop, it’s not a trot, it’s running … and it’s harder than doing it on two legs.” “The night before my amputation … I decided … to conquer it in such a way that I could never look back and say it disabled me.”

These quotes underline Terry’s belief in action over resignation, his sense of responsibility toward others, and his awareness of suffering beyond himself.

Lessons from Terry Fox

1. Persevere in the face of hardship
   True strength lies not in avoiding struggle, but in persisting through it.

2. Use adversity as a platform
   Terry turned his cancer into motivation to serve others — we can transform our challenges into purpose.

3. Vision outlasts individual effort
   Even if you can’t finish a goal, laying groundwork can enable others to continue.

4. Empathy is powerful
   Recognizing the pain of others elevates your mission beyond personal ambition.

5. Action over talk
   He didn’t just speak of hope — he literally ran across a country to give meaning to hope.

Conclusion

Terry Fox’s life was brief, but his impact is vast. He showed that ordinary individuals, armed with resolve and compassion, can inspire extraordinary change. His Marathon of Hope may have ended prematurely, but his values — courage, humility, empathy, perseverance — continue to resonate.