Terry Fox is remembered today as one of the greatest symbols of courage, determination, and human resilience the world has ever known. At just 18 years old, he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma — a bone cancer so aggressive that doctors were forced to amputate his right leg above the knee. Most people would have fallen into despair. Terry chose a different path.
With a prosthetic leg and a heart bigger than his country, Terry made a decision that would change history. At only 21, he set out on an impossible mission he named the Marathon of Hope — a cross-country run across Canada to raise money and awareness for cancer research. His dream was simple yet enormous: that no one else would have to suffer what he had endured.On April 12, 1980, he dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s, Newfoundland, marking the beginning of one of the most extraordinary athletic and humanitarian feats ever attempted. From that moment, Terry began running a full marathon — 26 miles — every single day. Not once a week. Not when conditions were good. Every day.
He ran through scorching heat, pounding rain, bitter wind, loneliness, and unbearable physical pain. His prosthetic leg clattered on the pavement with every step — thud, click… thud, click — but Terry never stopped. For 143 days, he pushed his body across mountains, highways, and small towns, covering an astonishing 3,339 miles. He met families who had lost loved ones to cancer, children still fighting the disease, and communities who saw hope in the courage of a young man running on sheer will.As he moved westward, Canada fell in love with him. Crowds surged. Donations poured in. Strangers lined the roads in tears, reaching out just to touch his hand. Terry became a national hero — not because he was running, but because of why he was running.
But on September 1, 1980, everything changed. Near Thunder Bay, Terry was forced to stop when his cancer returned, spreading to his lungs. The Marathon of Hope ended suddenly, but the movement he created did not. Terry passed away the following year at just 22 years old — but his dream continued to grow.Today, the Terry Fox Run is held annually in more than 60 countries. It has raised over $850 million for cancer research, making it one of the largest and most impactful fundraising events in the world. His legacy lives in every breakthrough, every survivor, every person who draws strength from his story when life feels impossible.
Terry Fox didn’t just run across a country —
he ran into the hearts of millions.
He didn’t just dream of a cure —
he built the beginning of one.
He may not have finished his journey on the road,
but he started a journey that humanity will finish for him. ❤️🇨🇦