Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope 30 years ago today.
On April 12, 1980 Terry dipped his artificial leg into the harbor at St. John's, Newfoundland, and headed westward across this huge country. It was his intent to run from coast to coast to raise money and awareness for Cancer.
The very same disease that was spreading by the day through his body and had already claimed one of his legs.
He ended his run 143 days later near Thunder Bay when cancer had spread to his lungs. He died at age 22 in June of 1981.
People remember Terry during the many community walks and runs each September. I remember my son Dan, running in his first "Terry Fox" run at the age of nine. His class was asked to write out "who they were running for". Most of the kids wrote that they were running for Terry Fox,because he was a brave Canadian who still raises money in through his memory and foundation.
Dan wrote, "I am running for my Mom who has Cancer, and I hope this helps get her better.
Janet, his Mom, of course passed away, at the age of 49, five years after her sons first Terry Fox run.
Occasions like the recent Olympics also inspire memories, as do the 32 streets, 14 schools, numerous statues, research centers and 1 mountain named after him.
But take a moment today to remember Terry at the beginning, the first day many of us knew him.
The headline in one of our newspapers proclaimed this:
"Fox's Legacy: $451,737,662....and change"
That indeed is a lot of money but not enough.
Let's keep giving until we CURE CANCER IN OUR LIFETIME!
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6 comments:
Good idea!!!
We have been looking for a cure for so many years. So sad that a cure has not been found yet. So many lives ended and families left to grieve. Nice post and unselfish proclamation:
"Let's keep giving until we CURE CANCER IN OUR LIFETIME!"
I saw Terry when he hobbled thru our little town 30 years ago.Me a burly trucker watched him in awe with tears in my eyes.
Sadly today there is no cure for that demonic disease. That said, some treatments are successful in extending life now and the emphasis on screening nowadays will pay off in the future.
His legacy is well-remembered and carried on by many.
Isn't that fabulous ...
I've been struggling/wrestling with a really bad bout of labrynthitis ...this week, which of course made me think of you!
Must remember to count my blessings even when spinning. xx
I've lost altogether too many amazing people to cancer. I'm doing what I can by participating in charity runs and walks. Just today I did a walk for the American Cancer Society in memory of my husband's grandma and in support of a friends mom. And just today I learned that a blogging friend has cancer. I will keep giving... and I will keep praying... and I will keep running till there is a cure.
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