Topic – The Legacy of Terry Fox

The Legacy of Terry Fox

A legacy is something that is left for others, usually by a person who has died. Terry Fox was a hero who left a legacy that has lasted more than 30 years. This legacy is still going strong.

Who Was Terry Fox?

Terry Fox was born in 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was raised in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Terry found out he had bone cancer in one leg when he was 18 years old. He had to have his leg amputated above the knee. Before the operation, he read about an amputee who ran the marathon in New York City. He felt sorry for the other people in the hospital who had cancer—mostly the children. So he decided that he would run to raise money for cancer research.

Terry started training to run with his artificial leg. In April 1980, he started his Marathon of Hope. He planned to run across Canada, running a marathon every day. (A marathon is 40 kilometres.) He hoped his run would inspire people to give money for cancer research.

Terry started in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He ran for 143 days, covering 5373 kilometres. But he had to stop because the cancer had returned. Terry fought hard against the cancer, but he died in June 1981.

The Terry Fox Run

Terry’s Marathon of Hope raised $23 million for cancer research. Since then, the Terry Fox Run have been held every year. Before he died, Terry Fox planned with others how these runs would be organized.

The Terry Fox Run has no prizes. The run is for all people. Participants can run, walk, ride bicycles—even wear funny costumes. The run can be any length but is usually 5 to 15 kilometres. No one has to pay to run. Participants try to get people to sponsor them. Most of this money goes directly to cancer research in Canada. The Terry Fox Run in Canada takes place on the second Sunday after Labour Day.

There is also a National School Run Day in Canada. Students and teachers from all across the country run to raise money. Some schools also hold bake sales or hockey games. These events take place on a day in September.

The Terry Fox Run has spread around the world. Some countries that have the Terry Fox Run are Argentina, India, Australia, Italy, and Japan. The Terry Fox Run is held in the United States from New York City to Los Angeles. The money raised by the runs usually goes to cancer research in that country. International Terry Fox Runs can take place on any date.

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