On Sunday, the Terry Fox Run will mark 35 years since the Marathon of Hope began.
Terry Fox, who had lost one leg to cancer, began a cross-Canada run in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Near Thunder Bay, Ont., his run ended after his cancer spread.
Organizers of this year’s Terry Fox Run in Summerland have asked members of the community for their reflections about the 1980 Marathon of Hope. Here are their responses.
“Dinner meant watching the news while eating. On this day, however, Terry lay on a stretcher. His run, like our dinner, suddenly, had ended. I was eight. My hero had transformed into a super hero.”
— Raja Gupta
“Terry Fox epitomizes courage and strength. He inspires us to use our life circumstances for greater good. To be forward thinking and forward moving. Knowing that together we are stronger. Uniting to find a cure.”
— Joanne Malar
“I remember our school’s annual Terry Fox Run; informing a new generation of students of this incredible and courageous young man, who ran a marathon daily as he attempted to run across Canada.”
— Ellen Woodd
“The Terry Fox Run is a wonderful legacy. Thirty-five years ago I was a dedicated runner and followed every moment of his effort. During that time, Terry Fox became a personal hero and true hero to the nation.”
— Peter Waterman
“I remember a television interview of a very wet Terry Fox, shot at the SFU track as he was training for his Marathon of Hope. 42 kilometers day after day? Inspiring then and now!”
— John Mott
“Terry Fox is one of the greatest Canadians of all time. He was passionate, determined, and humble. Terry’s vision to end cancer is inspirational beyond measure. Our hope is that Terry’s legacy is never forgotten.”
— Michael and
Melissa Berrisford
“Thank you Terry Fox. Your research has cured thousands of cancer patients and more cures are being developed all the time. Every cancer patient needs our support. This organization deserves our financial donations.”
— Janice Perrino
“I remember following Terry’s journey across Canada as a student. At the time I had no idea the legacy he would leave. He makes me proud to be a Canadian.”
— Darcy Mullin
“Terry Fox marvelled the world with his courageous run, dedicating himself for the purpose of cancer awareness, research and hopefully a cure. His sacrifice was courageous and will benefit mankind.”
— Bill Waylett
“When Terry Fox began his run, we were just recently married and looking forward to our future together. After he passed away, I recall feeling a profound sense of sadness for this young life cut short.”
— Don Gibbings
“The determination Terry Fox displayed running his “Marathon of Hope” was inspirational. As a physician and urological cancer surgeon, I work hard to care for and improve the life of my cancer patients.”
— Neil Crofts
“When Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope, I was 10 years old. I remember thinking, ‘He’s a hero!’ His stubborn dedication and resilience inspired me to become educated and work in the field of rehabilitation.”
— Alana Buckingham
“Years after his Marathon of Hope, I had a summer job that included looking after the Terry Fox Field at SFU. I thought often of his perseverance and the lasting impact of his vision. I still do to this day.”
— Brent Harrold
“Terry spoke about feeling moved to do something when he met other children living with cancer. He was motivated by his compassion. Imagine what can happen if we choose to be motivated by our compassion… “
— Susan Kast
“Terry Fox continues to be an inspiration to all to look for a cure for cancer. Even though much has been done we must all keep our resolve to win the battle in Terry’s name.”
— Jean Fishenden
“Terry Fox – stamina, courage, strength of conviction. This is what we saw in him every night on the T.V. 35 years later Terry still inspires those qualities in all those with cancer, a truly amazing legacy.”
— Cathy and Jim Hermiston
“Terry Fox is a true Canadian hero. He showed us anything is possible if you work hard. In setting his mind to run across Canada, he demonstrated tremendous leadership and commitment to a cause he believed in.”
—Rachel Shanner
“Many people consider fire fighters and other emergency responders heroes… for Terry to make the choice at such a young age to run across Canada for this important cause makes him my hero!“
— Rob Robinson
“Terry Fox means hope. He inspired a nation and is a true example of leadership. He left a legacy of courage, tenacity, and great honor. Simply, he is one of the finest Canadians that ever lived.”
— Tanya Behardien
“In 1981, I moved to a country mourning its hero. Since then, Terry Fox has become my hero. His legacy lives on in the many lives saved as a result of his Marathon of Hope.”
— Mike Cooke
“T – otally terrific human being
E – xcellent role model for all
R – eally courageous young man
R – an for a cancer donation
Y- ou are a true Canadian hero
F – orever in our hearts
O – utstanding determination
eX – tra special guy“
— Neil McPhedran
“When I think about Terry Fox, it’s evident he had hope for a cancer-free future. Courageously he set into motion a lasting legacy. He was amazing.”
— Caroline McKay
“Terry Fox represents turning a negative into a positive. Instead of being miserable due to his diagnosis, he chose to do something great. I believe we can all strive for this in our daily lives.”
— Kayley Robb
“Terry Fox inspired me in many ways. One was by him setting unrealistic goals. His determination and passion started his ideas and challenged the rest of us to reach beyond what even he imagined.”
— Cindee Melashenko
“Terry Fox showed Canadians that one person can not only make a difference, they can create an ever lasting legacy that is never forgotten.”
— Dan Ashton
“Seeing youth and adults filled with a feeling of accomplishment crossing the finish line on Terry Fox run day. That’s why I got involved 32 years ago and have enjoyed every moment of it.”
— Joe Bedard
“The vision of Terry Fox running as a sole figure down the road has left a lasting impression on our lives. His contribution had so much impact and was so inspirational that his legacy spans generations.”
— Nic and Shei Seaton
“To me, Terry Fox symbolizes perseverance, hope and inspiration. He’s an amazing example of how a nation can be united with a dream and a journey that began with a single step.”
— Heather Cooke
The run will take place at the Summerland Aquatic Centre on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. Registration will begin at 10:15 a.m.
The non-competitive event has a one-kilometre, three-kilometre and five-kilometre course.
