Terrance Stanley Fox Foundation - Essay Example

Nearly two years after his amputation, Terry began training for what he called his Marathon of Hope, which is run across Canada to help raise money for cancer research.

His hope was to raise $1 from every Canadian to fight cancer. In a letter, he wrote to the Canadian Cancer Society, “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.” (terryfox.org) On April 12, 1980, Terry began his Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Terry ran for 143 days and covered 3,339 miles before he was forced to stop just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because his cancer had spread to his lungs.

He had to stop and return to British Colombia for treatment. On September 2, 1980, one day after Terry was forced to stop running, the Chairman and CEO of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts sent a telegram to the Fox family. He wrote, “You started it. We will not rest until your dream to find a cure for cancer is realized.” (terryfox.org) Terry received many awards for his efforts, among them are the Companion of the Order of Canada, The Order of the Dogwood Award (British Columbia’s highest civilian award), the Lou Marsh Award for outstanding athletic accomplishment, and The Sword of Hope, given him by the American Cancer Society.

Shortly before his death, Terry Fox 2 finally realized his dream. As the Canadian population reached 24.1 million, his Marathon of Hope fund reached $24.17 million. Terry Fox passed away at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia one month before his 23rd birthday. Although Terry’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on. The government of British Columbia named a mountain Mount Terry Fox, as a symbol of his courage. A 52-mile stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway is renamed the Terry Fox Courage Highway in his honor.

The Canadian Coast Guard dedicates a ship in Terry’s name. These are just a few of the honors bestowed on Terry Fox, but what is most important is the impact his life had on the world of cancer research. The Terry Fox run became a Trust, totally independent of the Canadian Cancer Society. It is known as the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Nearly “$500 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry’s name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.” (terryfox.org) nearly all of the money that is raised in this yearly run is sent to institutions that have the International Union Against Cancer in Geneva accreditation. (uicc.org)