On April 12, 1980 Terry dipped his foot into the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s, Newfoundland to begin his “Marathon of Hope”, a cross-Canada run to raise funds for cancer research. His plan was to run 42 km (26 miles) per day, the distance of a typical marathon. Terry’s original goal was to raise $1 million. He soon revised it to raise $1 for each Canadian or $24 million.Terry began his run as a virtual unknown. By the time he reached Toronto, Terry was well known across the country. Toronto streets were lined with thousands of people and a huge rally was held with over 10,000 attending. Unfortunately the run came to an end just outside of Thunder Bay on September 1, 1980. After running for 143 days straight, a total distance of 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry had to stop because of difficulty breathing. The cancer had spread to his lungs. Terry returned to British Columbia for further treatment. He developed pneumonia in June of 1981.
Terry died at dawn on June 28, 1981, one month short of his 23rd birthday.His “Marathon of Hope” raised over $24 million and was the inspiration for the “Terry Fox Run”. The Terry Fox Run is held around the world on a Sunday in mid-September to raise funds for cancer research.
This year the run will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2009. To date over $400 million has been raised for cancer research.
http://www.terryfox.org/Run/
Remembering Terry... Rob; in Vancouver
“I know that you can do the impossible.” Terry Fox
1 comment:
Hi Rob, just wanted to let you know that all your friends from Rupert are thinking of you and sending you our love and prayers. Bob said that Uncle Doug Robinson and Aunty Millie said to say a special "hello". Adding you to the Holy Rosary prayer list. Love Violet Hill
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