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Terry Fox: An Extraordinary Life, A Legacy of Hope

Jules Verne

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Published in Terry Fox: His Story (Revised)

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Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer activist. He is known for his Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research. Fox's story is one of courage, determination, and hope.

Terry Fox: His Story (Revised)

by Leslie Scrivener

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6505 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages

Early Life

Terry Fox was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the eldest of four children. Fox was a natural athlete and excelled in a variety of sports, including basketball, football, and track and field.

In 1977, at the age of 18, Fox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. His right leg was amputated above the knee.

The Marathon of Hope

After his diagnosis, Fox was determined to find a way to help others who were suffering from cancer. He decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He called his run the Marathon of Hope.

Fox began his run on April 12, 1980, in St. John's, Newfoundland. He ran an average of 26 miles per day, often in pain and discomfort. Fox's run captured the attention of the nation and the world. People lined the streets to cheer him on and donate money to his cause.

Fox ran for 143 days, covering a distance of 3,339 miles. On September 1, 1980, he was forced to stop his run near Thunder Bay, Ontario, when the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Legacy

Terry Fox died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22. Despite his short life, he left a lasting legacy of hope and inspiration. The Terry Fox Foundation, which he founded, has raised over $850 million for cancer research.

Fox's story continues to inspire people around the world. He is a reminder that anything is possible if you have the courage, determination, and hope.

Terry Fox Memorials

There are many memorials to Terry Fox in Canada and around the world. The most famous is the Terry Fox Memorial in Ottawa, which was dedicated in 1982. The memorial features a bronze statue of Fox running, with the inscription "A Man of Hope and Courage."

Other Terry Fox memorials include:

The Terry Fox statue in Thunder Bay, Ontario, which marks the spot where he was forced to stop his run.
The Terry Fox Run, which is held every year in over 60 countries to raise money for cancer research.
The Terry Fox Foundation, which supports cancer research and provides financial assistance to cancer patients.

Terry Fox was a remarkable young man who made a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. His story is one of courage, determination, and hope. He is an inspiration to us all to never give up on our dreams.

Terry Fox: His Story (Revised)

by Leslie Scrivener

4.7 out of 5