Terry Fox

Terry Fox has become the poster child of the person who can overcome any obstacle and

triumph over any adversity that stands in his way. This is important to Canada because he is a

reflection of the character of Canadians that is seen around the world. Terry Fox has given

Canada a true role model. Terry Fox has shown the world that Canadians are full with heart and

determination. He has shown Canadians, and the world that perseverance will pay off. Terry Fox

had all the obstacles lined up and he knocked them down, although the malignant tumor in his

right leg finally overwhelmed Terry, he still overcame numerous obstacles. Terry Fox had dealt

with the tumor in his leg and he overcame the amputation of his leg. He also managed to train for

the marathon of hope even though overcoming a physical and emotional amputation. He also was

able to start his run for the marathon of Hope, by an valiant attempt to run across Canada raising

money as he ran. Even though Terry Fox did not complete his goal he still lives on today in our

currency, stamps, and many more ways. Terry Fox has given Canada some one that they can try

to measure up to.

Terry Fox is a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, however he spent his child years in Port

Coquitlam, British Columbia. (Dixon, Joan pg 1-2) Terry was an athletic teenager, participated in

various sports. Terry was only 18 years old when the doctors broke the news that he had bone

cancer.(Drexel, John pg 342) Thus the doctors were compelled to have his right leg amputated 15

centimetres above the knee in 1977. However, Terry Fox over came is amputation with

optimism and grace, he was determined to do something with his life.

(www.canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions/monuments/terryfox_e.html) When Terry was recovering

in the hospital he was so overwhelmed of all the suffering and bravery by the other cancer

patients. (Zola, Meguiso pg 47) He was also inspired by the children cancer patients bravery, that

he knew that he too had to be brave. Furthermore prove that his life was worth doing something

great with. In the spring of 1977 Terry begins his first steppingstone into showing the world what

Canadians are all about. Terry was illuminated with a brilliant idea, a cross-Canada run to raise

money for cancer victims, "The Marathon of Hope" . (Drexel, John pg 342) Terry's next step was

to start training for this ambitious project. He had to teach himself how to run again, this was not

as easy as it sounds. (Zola, Meguiso pg 47) It took Terry a few months before he was able to

sustain himself while running. However while Training Terry ran over 5,000 kilometers this

pales compared to the distance of Canada coast to coast.(Dixon, Joan pg 73-76 ) Nonetheless

Terry was still determined to attempt the run. By fall Terry was confident in his condition that he

was ready to contact the Canadian Cancer Society for them to support his run. In his letter he

writes, I'm not a dreamer, and I'm not saying this will initiate any kind of definitive answer or

cure to cancer, but I believe in miracles. I have to.". (Giniger, Henry pg 810) Terry later received

a letter of optimism and hope from the Canadian Cancer Society. The Canadian Cancer Society

wished Terry the best of luck.

(www.canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions/monuments/terryfox_e.html) At this time to Canada and

to the rest of the world, Terry Fox did not exist. No one knew who he was. However, over time

his voice would be herd, his name would be recognized, the sleeping giant was awakening.

Even though Terry had little media and public support when he first began his journey he

was still determined to accomplish his personal goal to make it across Canada. (Drexel, John pg

342) He knew this would be the most significant and challenging obstacle that he would have to

encounter. He trained hard though he knew he was ready to start. On April 12, 1980 he starts his

odyssey in St. Johns, Newfoundland. He symbolizes this by dipping his artificial leg into the

Atlantic Ocean.(Drexel, John pg 342) He then sets off to the promised land of his upbringing,

British Columbia. (Hayes, Derek, pg 45-46)Even though not too many people where aware of the

significance of Terry's efforts, for those who were, the cancer patients that he went through rehab

with. (Pileggi, Steve. Pg 28) Terry's efforts meant the world to them, it gave them hope,

optimism, it allowed them to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just by a simple act of running

Terry was able to give those Canadians hope and a role model.

(www.canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions/monuments/terryfox_e.html)Terry's odyssey started in St.

Johns,