Skip navigation links (access key: Z)
National Library of Canada
NLC Home FrançaisContact UsHelpNLC SearchGovernment of Canada

HEROES HOME
Heroes of Lore and Yore
CONTENTS

CANADIAN HEROES IN FACT AND FICTION

SCROLL
TEXT VERSIONTEXT VERSIONTEXT VERSIONTEXT VERSIONTEXT VERSION
PHOTO OF TERRY FOX
Title: Terry Fox
(1958-1981)
"Somewhere the hurting must stop." — Terry Fox

A natural athlete, Terry’s studies in kinesiology were interrupted by his diagnosis with osteogenic sarcoma — a form of bone cancer — as a result of which his right leg was amputated six inches above the right knee. During his recovery he resolved to undertake a cross-Canada run to raise awareness of the suffering caused by cancer. On April 12th, 1980 Terry Fox dipped his artificial foot into the Atlantic Ocean as he began his "Marathon of Hope". Then, on September 1st, 1980, Terry's relentless pace was cut short by the progression of cancer to his lungs.
PHOTO OF TERRY FOX
He died on June 28th, 1981, one month before his 23rd birthday. Terry's dream of collecting $1 from every Canadian was realized; the Marathon of Hope raised $24.17 million for cancer research.

Today, his heroic perseverance is commemorated through numerous awards, research grants, and an annual fund-raising run held in 60 countries in his name.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND LINKS title

(For copyright notice click on images)
TEXT VERSIONTEXT VERSIONTEXT VERSIONTEXT VERSIONTEXT VERSION
TEXT VERSION