Monday, September 19, 2016

Terry Fox Run

When people think of Canada, they think of hockey, snow, maple syrup and Terry Fox. A Canadian icon in the truest sense of the word, each September, thousands of Canadians participate in fundraising runs to honour his memory and continue his fight against cancer. In doing so, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised nearly three quarters of a billion dollars for cancer research in the 37 years since his passing.  More than 1,300 people participated in the Calgary run this year.

Terry Fox CC OD was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research.

Nearly 4 decades since his passing and this true Canadian Hero continues to inspire, not just Canada, but people around the world.

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