Terry Fox

Early life and athletic career

Terrance Stanley Fox was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Rolland and Betty Fox. The family moved to Surrey, British Columbia, in 1966 before settling in Port Coquitlam two years later. Fox was a competitive child and an aspiring basketball player at Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School. Initially struggling due to his height, he took up cross-country running on his coach's suggestion to improve his fitness for basketball. His dedication paid off, and in grade 12 he won his high school's athlete of the year award. He later enrolled at Simon Fraser University to study kinesiology, with the goal of becoming a physical education teacher, and played on the junior varsity basketball team.

Fox's life changed dramatically in late 1976 following a minor car accident where he injured his right knee. The pain persisted, and by March 1977 he sought medical attention, leading to a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. His right leg was amputated above the knee, and he underwent sixteen months of chemotherapy. Doctors informed him that recent advances had improved his survival chances to 50 percent, a fact that deeply impressed upon him the value of cancer research. With a positive outlook, Fox was walking with an artificial leg just three weeks after his surgery.

During his recovery, Fox was introduced to wheelchair basketball by Rick Hansen. He quickly excelled at the sport, earning a spot on a competitive team less than two months after first trying it. Fox went on to win three national wheelchair basketball championships and was named an all-star by the North American Wheelchair Basketball Association in 1980. This period solidified his athletic identity and demonstrated his formidable determination in the face of physical challenge.

Conception of the Marathon of Hope

Inspired by an article about amputee runner Dick Traum, Fox began a 14-month personal training program with the initial goal of running a marathon. His experiences in the cancer clinic, where he witnessed immense suffering, fueled a more ambitious and private plan. Fox became determined to run across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research, a concept he initially shared only with his friend Douglas Alward. He aimed to raise one dollar for each of Canada's 24 million citizens. Training was exceptionally painful due to his unusual running gait, which required a hop-step on his good leg and placed extra stress on his limbs, leading to bone bruises, blisters and intense discomfort.

Fox persevered, finding that after about 20 minutes of running he would cross a pain threshold. In September 1979, he tested his endurance in a 27-kilometre road race in Prince George, finishing last but earning the respect and applause of fellow participants. After this race, he revealed his full cross-Canada plan to his family. To organize the run, Fox wrote to the Canadian Cancer Society in October 1979, outlining his goal with powerful language about the faces and feelings he witnessed in the cancer clinic. He promised to complete his run even if he had to crawl, stating his belief in miracles.

The Society agreed to support him once he secured sponsors and obtained a medical certificate. Fox was diagnosed with an athlete's enlarged heart, but doctors cleared him to run after he promised to stop if heart problems arose. He secured a camper van from Ford, fuel from Imperial Oil, and running shoes from Adidas, refusing any conditional donations or product endorsements. This careful preparation allowed him to proceed with his ambitious journey across the country.

The cross-country journey

The Marathon of Hope began on April 12, 1980, when Fox dipped his prosthetic leg in the Atlantic Ocean near St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. He collected ocean water with the intent of pouring it into the Pacific upon reaching Victoria, British Columbia. Supported by Doug Alward driving the van, Fox faced harsh weather including gale-force winds and snowstorms in the first days. Reception was initially modest, but the generous donation from the residents of Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, heartened him. Tensions grew between Fox and Alward during the Maritimes leg, leading Fox's younger brother Darrell to join them in Nova Scotia as a buffer.

The journey through Quebec presented challenges due to the language barrier and aggressive drivers. Fox arrived in Montreal on June 22, having covered one-third of his planned 8,000-kilometre route and raising over $200,000. It was here that Isadore Sharp, founder of Four Seasons Hotels, who had lost a son to cancer, offered support. Sharp provided accommodations and pledged $2 per mile, persuading nearly 1,000 other corporations to do the same. At the Cancer Society's suggestion, Fox delayed his departure to arrive in Ottawa for Canada Day celebrations to maximize fundraising.

Entering Ontario in late June, Fox was greeted by thousands of cheering residents and a police escort. In Ottawa, he met Governor General Ed Schreyer and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. His fame grew exponentially in Toronto on July 11, where a crowd of 10,000 met him at Nathan Phillips Square and he was joined by NHL star Darryl Sittler. That day alone, the Cancer Society raised an estimated $100,000. Fox continued through southern Ontario, meeting other sports heroes like Bobby Orr, which he considered a highlight. The relentless schedule of running and public appearances, however, began to take a severe physical toll on his body.

End of the run and national response

By late August 1980, Fox was exhausted, suffering from shin splints, an inflamed knee, cysts on his stump and dizzy spells. He refused to take days off, running through the pain. On September 1, outside Thunder Bay, Ontario, he experienced a severe coughing fit and chest pain. After attempting to continue, he asked to be driven to a hospital. The next day, Fox announced at a press conference that his cancer had returned and spread to his lungs, forcing him to end his run after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres.

When he stopped, Fox had raised $1.7 million. The national response was immediate and overwhelming. A week later, a CTV telethon featuring Canadian and international celebrities raised an additional $10.5 million in five hours. The governments of British Columbia and Ontario each donated $1 million, with B.C.'s contribution earmarked to found a research institute in Fox's name. By the following April, over $23 million had been raised. Fox received a deluge of mail from supporters worldwide, with some letters addressed simply to "Terry Fox, Canada" successfully delivered.

In September 1980, Fox was invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada, and he remains the youngest person to be so honoured. He was also named to British Columbia's Order of the Dogwood, which is the province's highest award. Fox won the 1980 Lou Marsh Award as the nation's top sportsman. Furthermore, he was named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year in 1980 by The Canadian Press.

Final illness and death

Following the end of his run, Fox underwent further chemotherapy and experimental interferon treatments, but the cancer continued to spread. His condition was followed closely by a nation hoping for a miracle, and he received a telegram of support from Pope John Paul II. Fox was readmitted to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster on June 19, 1981, with chest congestion that developed into pneumonia. He fell into a coma and died at 4:35 a.m. on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22.

The Government of Canada ordered flags across the country lowered to half-mast, an honour typically reserved for statesmen. In the House of Commons, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau eulogized Fox, stating his spirit had united all people in celebration of his life and mourning of his death. Trudeau noted that Fox was not seen as defeated by misfortune, but as inspiring the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. A televised funeral was held in Port Coquitlam, attended by family and 200 guests, while hundreds of communities across Canada held their own memorial services. Fox is buried in the Port Coquitlam Municipal Cemetery.

The Terry Fox Run and continuing impact

The first Terry Fox Run was held in September 1981, just months after his death. It has since grown into a global event held in over 60 countries, involving millions of participants annually. The run is the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. Funds are directed to the Terry Fox Research Institute, which supports innovative cancer research across Canada. As of February 2026, over $1 billion has been raised in Fox's name.

Fox's impact is deeply woven into Canadian society. Countless schools, roads, parks, and statues have been named in his honour across the country. His original high school in Port Coquitlam was renamed Terry Fox Secondary School. The story of his Marathon of Hope continues to be taught in schools, embodying themes of courage, determination, and selfless philanthropy. The annual run maintains a non-competitive, inclusive format, reflecting Fox's own ethos that everyone can contribute.

The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries. It is the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. Over C$1 billion has been raised in his name through the Terry Fox Research Institute as of February 2026. Fox is considered a national hero and has had many buildings, statues, roads, and parks named in his honour across Canada.

Questions about Terry Fox

What was Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope?

The Marathon of Hope was Terry Fox's cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He began on April 12, 1980, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, with the goal of running to Victoria, British Columbia. Fox ran an average of 42 kilometres, the equivalent of a marathon, every day. He was forced to end his run on September 1, 1980, outside Thunder Bay, Ontario, after learning his cancer had spread to his lungs. In 143 days, he covered 5,373 kilometres and raised millions of dollars, capturing the heart of the nation.

How much money has the Terry Fox Run raised?

The Terry Fox Run and related initiatives have raised over $1 billion for cancer research as of February 2026. The funds are managed by the Terry Fox Research Institute, which supports scientific projects across Canada. The annual run, first held in 1981, is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. It takes place in over 60 countries, with millions of participants each year continuing Fox's mission.

What type of cancer did Terry Fox have?

Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that often starts near the knees. He discovered a pain in his right knee in late 1976, which was diagnosed as cancer in March 1977. As a result, his right leg was amputated above the knee. He underwent sixteen months of chemotherapy. The cancer later returned and metastasized to his lungs, which ultimately ended his Marathon of Hope and led to his death in 1981.

What awards and honours did Terry Fox receive?

Terry Fox received numerous high honours. In September 1980, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada, the youngest person ever to receive the award. He won the 1980 Lou Marsh Award as Canada's top athlete and was named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year by The Canadian Press in both 1980 and 1981. He was also named to the Order of the Dogwood, British Columbia's highest provincial award. Many buildings, statues, and public spaces across Canada have been named in his honour.

When is the Terry Fox Run held?

The Terry Fox Run is an annual event held every September. The 46th edition is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026. The run is not a competitive race but a participatory fundraiser where people can run, walk, or bike. Events are organized in communities across Canada and in over 60 countries worldwide. The date can vary slightly by community, but it is always held in the autumn, close to the anniversary of Fox's original marathon.

Where did Terry Fox die and where is he buried?

Terry Fox died at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia, on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22. He had been re-admitted with pneumonia after his cancer spread. His funeral was held in his hometown of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, and was broadcast on national television. He is buried at the Port Coquitlam Municipal Cemetery. Flags across Canada were flown at half-mast following his death, a rare honour for a private citizen.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-18.