Terry Fox

Terry Fox, born on July 28, 1958, was a remarkable Canadian athlete and humanitarian whose legacy continues to inspire millions. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of eighteen, he faced the life-altering challenge of having his right leg amputated in 1977. Undeterred, Fox embraced his passion for running and basketball, competing at Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School and Simon Fraser University, where he showcased his athletic prowess.

In 1980, Fox embarked on his iconic Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run aimed at raising funds and awareness for cancer research. With the ambitious goal of collecting one dollar from each of Canada's twenty-four million citizens, he began his journey in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, running the equivalent of a full marathon every day. His determination and spirit captured the hearts of Canadians, transforming him into a national icon as he traversed the country.

Despite his growing fame and the support of numerous public figures, Fox's run was cut short when cancer spread to his lungs, forcing him to halt his journey outside Thunder Bay. Tragically, he passed away on June 28, 1981, just nine months later. His efforts, however, did not go unnoticed; the annual Terry Fox Run, initiated in 1981, has evolved into the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research, raising over one billion Canadian dollars in his name through the Terry Fox Research Institute by February 2026.

Fox's contributions to society earned him numerous accolades, including being the youngest recipient of the Companion of the Order of Canada and the 1980 Lou Marsh Award as Canada's top sportsman. He was also named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year by The Canadian Press in both 1980 and 1981. Today, he is celebrated as a national hero, with countless buildings, statues, roads, and parks bearing his name, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.