Every year, millions of students run to raise money for cancer research because a young adult believed in the miracle of a cure to cancer. After Terrance Stanley Fox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, he had a goal to run across Canada in hopes of raising awareness for cancer research. He inspired the whole nation as he successfully ran 5,373 km through Quebec and Ontario and raised 24.17 million dollars.

Terry was born July 28th, 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Growing up, he was always determined, especially in sports like cross-country and basketball. In November of 1976, he got into an accident on the highway and escaped with nothing but a sore right knee, which he thought was caused by the crash. In December, he assumed that the returning pain had come from the stress of playing basketball. In March of 1977, Terry was so sore that he was unable to move after a training run.

The Royal Columbian Hospital confirmed with a bone scan that Terry had osteosarcoma, a fast-spreading bone cancer that usually starts in the knee. Because it was his best chance of survival, his right leg was amputated on March 9th, 1977 and was replaced with an artificial leg. After seeing the cancer patients during chemotherapy, he was determined to help those who suffered. Once he decided he would run across Canada, raising funds for cancer research, he started training by running laps around a local junior high school track.

On April 12th 1980, the Marathon of Hope began. Through Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces he ran, he averaged around 42 km a day. He was very well known in Ontario, and was able to meet notable people, such as Pierre Elliott Trudeau. On September 1st 1980, the cancer returned in his lungs when Terry arrived at Thunder Bay, Ontario. He had successfully ran 5, 373 km over 143 days.

His journey ended on June 28th, 1981, but his legacy continues on as we run to finish what Terry started. Terry will go down in history as one of the most inspirational figures Canada has ever seen. To make a significant difference, Terry chose to share with others his ability to see the light.

By: Chloe Cheung

Image via Pixabay