45 years later, Terry Fox’s brother retraces the first steps of the Marathon of Hope

On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox embarked on his historic Marathon of Hope, a journey that would capture the hearts of Canadians and inspire millions around the world. His determination to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research remains a powerful testament to the human spirit and the fight against this devastating disease.

This year, on the 45th anniversary of Terry’s iconic run, his older brother Fred Fox retraced his footsteps in St. John’s, Newfoundland. As he ran from Mile 0 to city hall, Fred reflected on the legacy of his brother’s incredible journey. “He could never have imagined what those words would mean, all these years later,” Fred said, echoing Terry’s sentiments from his diary on that fateful day in 1980.

At city hall, St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen honored Fred with the Chain of Office, a symbolic gesture that mirrored the recognition given to Terry four and a half decades ago. Cancer patients, researchers, and volunteers gathered to pay tribute to Terry’s enduring impact on cancer research fundraising.

Fred spent the week visiting schools and speaking to students about Terry’s cause, hoping to inspire more people to contribute to cancer research. Over $900 million has been raised in Terry’s name, a staggering sum that continues to fund groundbreaking research and provide hope to those affected by cancer.

Terry Fox was just 21 when he set out on his cross-country journey, running close to a marathon a day for 143 consecutive days. Tragically, his run was cut short near Thunder Bay, Ontario, when the cancer that had taken his leg spread to his lungs. Despite his untimely passing, Terry’s legacy lives on in the millions of lives he has touched and the progress made in cancer research.

Bill Strong, who was Terry’s designated staff resource person in St. John’s, shared his memories of the young runner and the impact he had on those around him. Strong, now an Anglican priest, described Terry as pure in his cause and a true inspiration to all who knew him.

Today, funds raised by the Terry Fox Foundation support innovative cancer research projects, including the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. This network, which aims to implement precision medicine treatments for cancer patients, is a testament to Terry’s vision of finding a cure for this deadly disease.

Sherri Christian, a biochemistry professor at Memorial University in St. John’s, leads the network’s Atlantic Cancer Consortium and emphasizes the importance of fundraising for cancer research. She highlights the vital role that research plays in advancing our understanding of cancer and developing new treatments for patients.

As we look back on Terry Fox’s remarkable journey 45 years later, we are reminded of the power of one person’s determination to make a difference. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who continue to support cancer research and work towards a future free from this devastating disease.