(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 12^th, 1980 Terry Fox dipped his artificial foot into the Atlantic Ocean as he began his "Marathon of Hope". Then, on September 1^st, 1980, Terry's relentless pace was cut short by the progression of cancer to his lungs.

He died on June 28^th, 1981, one month before his 23^rd 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.