Terry Fox

Lore & Background

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Rolland and Betty Fox. He grew up in Transcona, then moved to Surrey and later Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. He was a distance runner and basketball player at Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School and Simon Fraser University. In 1977, his right leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma, but he continued to run using an artificial leg and also played wheelchair basketball, winning three national championships.

In 1980, Fox began the Marathon of Hope, running from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, the equivalent of a full marathon every day. He hoped to raise one dollar from each of Canada's 24 million people. He became a national star by the time he reached Ontario, making public appearances with businessmen, athletes, and politicians. He was forced to stop outside Thunder Bay after cancer spread to his lungs, and died nine months later.

Fox was the youngest person named a Companion of the Order of Canada and won the 1980 Lou Marsh Award. He was named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year in 1980 and 1981. Many buildings, statues, roads, and parks across Canada have been named in his honour.

Reader's Guide

Terry Fox's significance lies in his transformation of personal tragedy into a lasting global movement for cancer research. His Marathon of Hope, though cut short, captured the public imagination and led to the establishment of the annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981. The run has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and, as of February 2026, has raised over C$1 billion through the Terry Fox Research Institute. Fox's legacy is that of a national hero whose determination and selflessness inspired ongoing fundraising and awareness for cancer research. His story continues to be commemorated through numerous named landmarks and annual events, ensuring his impact endures long after his death.

Did You Know?

• Fox was diagnosed with left ventricular hypertrophy, an enlarged heart common among athletes, before his run.
• He turned away any company that requested he endorse their products, insisting nobody was to profit from his run.
• Fox's maternal grandmother was Métis, and his younger brother Darrell became a member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia.
• He was inspired to run after reading an article about Dick Traum, the first amputee to complete the New York City Marathon.