"How many people get the chance to do something that they really believe in?"
Every year in September, thousands of people across North America take part in an event that was established by one young man. An individual who decided to take the chance and do something that he truly believed in. Now, people everywhere take part in an event that preserves his legacy. If you haven't figured out whom I am talking about, perhaps you will recognize the name Terry Fox.
This dedicated, ambitious and heroic individual is known throughout Canada and parts of the United States and remembered each year. When he was a teenager, Terry lost his leg to cancer. While in the hospital, going through chemotherapy, he decided that some type of action had to be instituted so that the suffering would stop. Therefore, he decided to run across Canada, hoping to raise money for cancer and cancer research. He began in April of 1980 from the east coast of Canada, and ran 28 to 30 miles per day with one real leg and one artificial leg. When he got halfway across Canada, outside a city called Thunder Bay, Ontario, the cancer spread into his lungs and he was unable to progress forward. He was forced to abandon his run and died shortly after, in June 1981. However, before his death, Terry's run alone raised over 24 million dollars for cancer research.
Terry lifted people with his courage and tenacity, and those who recollected the events that he took part in wanted to do something in his honor. Consequently, they established the Marathon of Hope, which is also known as the Terry Fox Run. Where Terry finished his run in Thunder Bay -- there is a large memorial there in his name. He also has a mountain named after him in the Canadian Rockies. Schools, churches, and recreational centers throughout North America and other parts of the world take part in the run-or-walk activity each year. The money that is raised then goes towards improvements in cancer research so that others may benefit and have a greater chance for a recovery.
Unfortunately, millions of people across the world are affected by cancer, and at this time there is no cure for this disease. Perhaps you have a close family or friend that has been diagnosed with cancer. It is incredibly common -- I can think of five people that I know extremely well who have died or recovered from cancer. Scientists hope that in the future there will be new and improved medicines developed which will improve the chances of survival and recovery. However, there are several types of cancer which humans can have. Lung and breast cancer are just a couple examples.
These few pictures depict both the life and legacy of Terry Fox. The first one is a painting, which was inspired from a photograph taken when Terry was completing his run. The second is a photograph taken of the memorial statue of Terry in Canada.
When you take part in the walk or run, or pledge money to the Terry Fox Foundation, you are helping many people, both today and in the future. Feel proud that you are doing something that stands behind such an admirable cause.
"I want to set an example that will never be forgotten" --Terry Fox
Best of luck in your future endeavors,
-TIKE
