I was 10 when Terry Fox started his Marathon of Hope. I thought it was pretty cool that a local guy (around Vancouver) was doing something outside our corner of the world.  As I got older, I got a better appreciation for the determination, courage and idealism that he possessed.

“I’m not a dreamer, and I’m not saying this will initiate any kind of definitive answer or cure to cancer, but I believe in miracles. I have to.” Terry Fox

In case you don’t know about Terry Fox, here is a brief snapshot:

Terry Fox lost his leg due to osteosarcoma in 1977.  Three years later, at the age of 21, he started a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He ran a marathon every day! He rested (didn’t run) on only 4 of 143 days.  He was forced to quit when the cancer metastasized to his lungs.  He had run 3339 miles with an estimated 1961 miles left to reach the Pacific Ocean.  Terry Fox died on June 28, 1981 after raising 23 million dollars for cancer research and realizing his dream of $1 donated for every Canadian.

The first annual Terry Fox Run occurred on Sept. 13, 1981 and the annual Terry Fox Run now has millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over 500 million dollars has been raised in his name. I have never missed a run – even when sick or overseas, I have managed to finish.

A good description of the Marathon of Hope can be found here.  More information, quotes, and donation possibilities can be found at the Terry Fox Foundation website.

A Canadian tribute to Terry Fox:

A more polished version by the American ESPN:

There has been a lot of tributes to Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope.  The only thing that I can add is that he is my hero and I hope that I share some of his optimism and perseverance traits.

image credit: terryfox.org