Terry Fox Day

Terry Fox Day History

Terry Fox Day seeks to commemorate cancer activist Terry Fox. Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 18, Fox made it his goal to raise $1 dollar for every person in Canada for cancer research. In 1980, equipped with a prosthetic right leg, he set out on an inspiring marathon run across Canada. Terry Fox made it almost 5300 kilometres (3300 miles) starting from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Thunder Bay Ontario. It took him 143 days. Sadly, cancer would return, this time affecting his lungs. He would pass away a year later in 1981.

Terry Fox’s efforts and courage would go down in history. He inspired many to donate to cancer research. He also inspired amputees, letting them know they are not bound by limitations. Fox’s marathon run raised $23.4 million for cancer research. His story would impact millions of people, even after his passing. Founded in 1981 by Four Season’s president Isadore Sharp, the Terry Fox Run is an annual charity event that raises money for cancer research. It remembers Terry Fox’s journey and his inspiring story. It is held annually on Terry Fox Day. Terry Fox Day was established in 2014 in British Columbia. It was declared a year later in Manitoba and Ontario. This day remembers Fox’s life. It is observed annually on the second Sunday after Labour Day.