Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope

Terry fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian and cancer research activist. After having his leg amputated in 1980, he decided to embark on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer forced him to end his journey only after 143 days and 5,373 kilometers, and eventually cost him his life, his legacy has grown and continued worldwide. The annual Terry Fox Run has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. Terry Fox hoped to raise one dollar from each of Canada’s 24 million people and as of now over $650 million has been raised in his name.

Terry Fox is an important role model for all Canadians because he put his life in danger in order to raise awareness for something, which in that time, did not have much awareness at all. Thanks to Terry, us as Canadians and the rest of the world have worked together to make a big step in cancer research for those who are suffering with it. This event has more of an impact on Canada and especially British Columbia because of the fact that Terry Fox  was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and he planned to run across our home land.

The Marathon of Hope is something for the entire country to be proud about, a fellow Canadian has made a difference in the future lives of those dealing with cancer and helped bring attention to the issue. Along with Canadians being proud of this event, it was something that brought the whole world together. Here you saw a young kid who was hurting but kept going. His determination pervades your psyche. He had all these things against him. If he could do what he did with all those obstacles, imagine what the country as a whole could accomplish. Terry’s journey had a large impact on the community and he has made a lasting impression. He now has schools, streets etc. named after him and he has caused many organizations to begin their own fundraisers for cancer research.

I chose this event as something for Canada to be proud of because i have participated in the Terry Fox Run at school every year since Kindergarten. Terry Fox is a role model for me as he proved that having problems and issues doesn’t stop you from doing the things you love and that it is possible possible to overcome those obstacles. Although he did not get to finish his marathon he made an impact on Canadians and people everywhere and helped cancer research in the long run.