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. 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. 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. When Terry was recovering in the hospital he was so overwhelmed of all the suffering and bravery by the other cancer patients. 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" . 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. 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. 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.