10 Interesting Facts about Terry Fox

One of these following facts about Terry Fox will give you much information about him. Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitaries and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. To get to know more about him, here ares some other facts about Terry Fox you might be interested in.

Facts about Terry Fox 1: Terry Fox Run

The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over $600 million has been raised in his name.

Facts about Terry Fox 2: Amputation

His right leg was amputated in 1977 after he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, though he continued to run using an artificial leg. He also played  wheelchair basketball in Vancouver, winning three national championships.

Facts about Terry Fox 3: Marathon of Hope

In 1980, he began the Marathon of Hope, a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. He hoped to raise one dollar for each of Canada’s 24 million people. He began with little fanfare from St. John’s, Newfoundland in April and ran the equivalent of a full marathon every day.

Facts about Terry Fox 4: Companion of the Order of Canada

He was the youngest person ever named a Companion of the Order of Canada. He won the 1980 Lou Marsh Award as the nation’s top sportsman and was named Canada’s Newmaker of the Year in both 1980 and 1981

Facts about Terry Fox 5: Canadian Cancer Society

On October 15, 1979, Fox sent a letter to the Canadian Cancer Society in which he announced his goal and appealed for funding. He stated that he would “conquer” his disability, and promised to complete his run, even if he had to “crawl every last mile”. Explaining why he wanted to raise money for research,

Facts about Terry Fox 6: Trek Across Canada

The Marathon began on April 12, 1980, when Fox dipped his right leg in the Atlantic Ocean near St. John’s, Newfoundland, and filled two large bottles with ocean water. He intended to keep one as a souvenir and pour the other into the Pacific Ocean upon completing his journey at Victoria, British Columbia.

Facts about Terry Fox 7: National Response

Fox had raised $1.7 million by the time he was forced to abandon the Marathon. He realized that the nation was about to see the consequences of the disease, and hoped that this might lead to greater generosity.A week after his run ended, the CTV Television Network organized a nationwide telethon in support of Fox and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Facts about Terry Fox 8: Legacy

Fox remains a prominent figure in Canadian folklore. His determination united the nation; people from all walks of life lent their support to his run and his memory inspires pride in all regions of the country. A 1999 national survey named him as Canada’s greatest hero, and he finished second to Tommy Douglas in the 2004 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation program “The Greatest Canadian”.

Facts about Terry Fox 9: Attitudes to Disability

Fox expressed a robust attitude to his situation: he refused to regard himself as disabled, and would not allow anyone to pity him, telling a Toronto radio station that he found life more “rewarding and challenging” since he had lost his leg. His feat helped redefine Canadian views of disability and the inclusion of the disabled in society.

Facts about Terry Fox 10: Death

In the following months, Fox received multiple chemotherapy treatments; however, the disease continued to spread.As his condition worsened, Canadians hoped for a miracle and Pope John Paul II sent a telegram saying that he was praying for Fox. Doctors turned to experimental interferon treatments, though their effectiveness against osteogenic sarcoma was unknown.

Hope you would find those Terry Fox facts really interesting and useful for your additional reading.