Marathon of Hope - Terry Fox

Terry Fox

 1958 - 1981

" I am not a dreamer, and I am not saying that this will initiate any kind of definitive answer or cure to cancer, but I believe in miracles, I have to." 

- Terry Fox

Terry Fox was born and brought up in Canada. An active teenager involved in many sports, Terry was just 18 years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer and was forced to have his right leg amputated 15 cm above the knee in 1977. He underwent the physical and mental trauma of chemotherapy for 16 months and during his treatment, he used to feel angry with the fact that very little money was devoted towards cancer research. So he decided to take the responsibility of bringing a change to the society, on his shoulders. 

Inspired by Dick Traum, the first amputee to complete the New York City Marathon, Terry Fox began Marathon of Hope, a cross country run for raising money for cancer research. It was a journey that Canadians never forget. With fierce determination, he ran 42 km per day for 143 days until September 1, 1980, when he experienced a lot of short breaths and with continued chest pain was driven to a hospital where he got to know that his cancer had returned and had spread to his lungs. Terry died in June 1981. His funeral, attended by 40 relatives and 200 guests, was broadcast on national television. 

Many buildings and streets in Canada have named after Terry. The physical memorials in Canada named after Fox also includes his 7 statues. Terry Fox is an inspiration to one and all and he exemplifies that one person is enough to make a difference to the society. To do so, one requires a vision, belief and most importantly a passionate desire.

Rythum Verma