Body & Spirit: Athletes Who Make A Difference - Terry Fox

Terry Fox is best known for a crazy decision that he made. After he lost his right leg to cancer he knew that he had to do something to help other people who were dealing with the disease. He decided to run across Canada on one leg!

Before the cancer, Terry was involved in many sports. He played soccer, baseball, rugby and diving, but his favourite sport was basketball. He wanted to make his high school's basketball team, but he was only 5 feet tall and wasn't the best at basketball. So he practiced with incredible determination everyday. Finally in Grade 10 he made the team, becoming one of the most valuable players. This perseverance and work ethic helped to keep Terry going years later when he tried to run across Canada.

In 1977 Terry had pains in his right leg, so he got it checked out and the doctor told him he had cancer. His leg would have to be amputated. At the cancer clinic he saw many little children suffering. That's when he decided to do something about it. "Somewhere the hurting must stop... and I was determined to take myself to the limit for this cause," Terry declared. He decided to start the Marathon of Hope - a run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. After fourteen months of training, he launched the run on April 12, 1980, in St. John's, Newfoundland. His best friend, Doug Alward, drove the van in which they ate and sometimes slept. Their goal was to raise $1 for every Canadian. Terry ran about 42 km a day for 143 days. But when he got to Thunder Bay he was forced to stop after he found out that the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Terry Fox wasn't about to give up hope: "Even if I don't finish, we need others to continue. It's going to keep going without me." In total Terry Fox ran 5,373 km and achieved his goal of $1 for every Canadian, raising $24.17 million. On June 28, 1981 Terry Fox died, one month before his 23rd birthday. In memory of Terry there is a Terry Fox run every year to raise money for cancer research. The Terry Fox Foundation altogether has raised almost $500 million for cancer research. Terry is now considered a national hero and has taught people all over the world to dream courageously.