Terry Fox

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba July 28, 1958. He had two brothers named Fred and Darrell and one sister named Judith. His mom, Betty, was a homemaker and then worked part-time in a cardshop. His dad Rolly, was a CN Railway switchman. Terry liked basketball but he was told that he was too short. He did cross country running in school. Terry went to Simon Fraser University after graduating from Mary Hill Jr. Secondary School.

In November 1976 he found out he had bone cancer in his right knee. He had a lot of pain but he tried to ignore it. The pain became unbearable. His leg had to be amputated. He was challenged as he had to learn to live with only one leg. He challenged himself to run across Canada to try to raise enough money for a cure for cancer. He became a hero for people with cancer. His hero was Bobby Orr who was a famous NHL Hockey player. Terry was inspired by a man who had run in the New York Marathon who also had only one leg.

Terry Running (http://en.wikipedia.org/whi/Terry_Fox)

Terry started a cross country run across Canada in April, 1980 in St. John's, Newfoundland. He called the run the "Marathon of Hope". Terry decided to run across Canada because he wanted to live his life to give courage to people who had cancer. He would run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. It was hope for all cancer patients that there would be a cure for cancer one day. He averaged twenty six miles per day. Terry's friend Doug drove the van that had been donated for the run. On August 27 outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Terry was taken to the hospital. He was told that his cancer had returned, this time in his lungs.

Terry Fox Loonie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wh/Terry_Fox)

Up to this point, Terry had run 3,339 miles in 143 days. Television and radio stations had given daily reports and supported Terry on his progress as he ran and now they gave regular updates on his condition to the Canadian people. Companies made buttons and t-shirts saying "I'm supporting Terry Fox." The whole country supported Terry on his run and during his fight with Cancer. Terry said "Even if I don't finish...we need others to continue. It's got to go on without me". Terry did not finish the "Marathon Of Hope." He died on June 28, 1981. Just like he wanted, the "Marathon of Hope" continues every year across Canada. On April 4, 2005 the Canadian Mint released a Loonie with Terry's picture on it.

Terry Fox inspires me because I really hate cancer. Cancer kills too many people every year. That's why I really hate it. Terry Fox tried to get rid of cancer by running across Canada on only one leg and experiencing pain, bad weather and blisters while trying to raise enough money to find a cure for cancer. Too bad Terry had to die from his lung cancer before he could see the good he did for Cancer Research in Canada and the spirit he brought to other people. Terry was an amazing man.