Celebrating Terry Fox Day: Honouring a Canadian Hero and Inspiring Future Generations

Alumni, Athletics, Citizenship, Community, Events

August 5, 2024, marks Terry Fox Day, a day dedicated to remembering and celebrating the incredible legacy of Terry Fox, a Canadian hero whose determination and courage continue to inspire people around the world.
This day is not only a time to reflect on Terry’s remarkable journey but also an opportunity for us all to continue to educate ourselves and find ways to support cancer research.

Terry Fox’s Remarkable Journey

Terry Fox’s story began with a simple, yet profound realization: more money was needed for cancer research. Diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 18, Terry had his right leg amputated above the knee. In the face of this life-altering event that may have been crushing to some, Terry was inspired and determined to use this tragedy as motivation to make a difference for others. Terry embarked on a cross-Canada run, which he called the Marathon of Hope, to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

On April 12, 1980, after dipping his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s, Newfoundland, he began his journey westward with a goal to reach the Pacific Ocean. Running an average of 42 kilometres a day, Terry’s perseverance and dedication inspired millions of Canadians to join his cause. After running an astounding 5,373 kilometres, Terry was tragically forced to stop his run on September 1, 1980, after cancer spread to his lungs. Sadly he passed away at the age of 22 on June 28, 1981.

The Terry Fox Run: Continuing the Legacy

The Terry Fox Run, happens annually in September, is a non-competitive event that encourages participants of all ages to run, walk, or cycle to raise funds for cancer research. Since its inception, the run has grown into a global event, with millions participating in over 60 countries, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research.

Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, we all have a part to play in continuing to commemorate his legacy and in so doing, supporting cancer research.

1. Education and Discussion: Share Terry’s story with others, discuss his journey, the challenges he faced, and his unwavering determination. Highlight the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
2. Fundraising Activities: Come up with creative ways to raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation, or indeed any Foundation that is dedicated to finding cures for cancer. This could include bake sales, car washes, or sponsored challenges. Involving others in your fundraising activities could not only help to increase how much you may raise, but may also be a wonderful opportunity to educate others.
3. Participation: Join the Terry Fox Run at your school or in your community. Whether you run, walk, or cycle, your participation helps raise funds and awareness for cancer research. This can be a meaningful way to honor Terry’s legacy and help raise funds to support cancer research. It’s also a great opportunity to teach students about the importance of giving back. Here at Newton’s Grove School, we commemorate Terry Fox’s legacy in a very unique and special way. Every year, we invite Dr. Ron Temple to talk to our assembly of students about melanoma. This informative presentation precedes our annual walk that celebrates the life of one of our former parents, Michele Temple, who valiantly fought the battle against cancer.
   This has not only brought us together as a community, but has been a fantastic fundraising activity which has enabled us to support the research against melanoma.

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