The most remarkable thing about Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope more than 30 years ago isn’t necessarily the fact that an amputee would take on such an incredible challenge.
What stands out about his efforts is the way he captured the public eye, and to this day people all over the world know his inspiring story.
Kade Knight, 11, was born more than 20 years after Terry Fox was forced to end his run and ultimately succumbed to cancer.
But he knows as well as anybody what this event is all about.
“Terry Fox was an amputee who ran across Canada trying to trying to raise money, but he got stopped in Thunder Bay because he had cancer,” he said.
Furthermore, he knows exactly why people all over the world still take part in the annual Terry Fox Run so many years later.
“It’s because we all have Terry Fox in our hearts and minds,” he said. “When you think about yourself, you don’t have any … you’re not amputated. Because he did it with an amputated leg, it makes you feel like you can do anything. You just have to think about Terry Fox.”
Knight was one of the dozens of participants in the 32nd annual Terry Fox Run who ran the Rotary Trail, or a portion thereof, in an effort to raise money and awareness about the cause.
Mayor Bruce Lennon, who took part in the run, said taking part in the run is about being part of a community and honouring Fox’s memory.
“My wife and I have come here a number of times, and it’s just a great community event; really it’s a national event,” he said.
“When you look at his story, he was really an amazing young guy and inspired a lot of people to help with cancer research.”
A lot of people is quite the understatement — millions worldwide have taken part in the Terry Fox Run, which has raised close to $500 million for cancer research.
Kirsti Farrell said showing support for the cause means a lot, because like so many others, she has seen family members diagnosed with cancer.
She recalled when she first heard about the Marathon of Hope, and how it brought to much awareness to the issue.
“I can remember when he ran across Canada,” she said. “I was young, so I was fascinated I guess by this one-legged man running across Canada. I guess back then I didn’t really understand cancer, but it sure did bring awareness to it.”
So many years later, she said it’s great to still be a part of it and keep the memory alive.
Joan Gerun said she can also recall when Fox first made his ambitious journey and her own reaction to it.
“I remember is explicitly because it was so televised,” she said. “As a kid, I think (the reaction) is mixed. There’s the side of you that says, ‘This guy can never do that. It’s an impossible feat, it’s just not going to happen.’ Then there’s the other side of you, as the days went on and he covered more ground and overcame obstacles, it became more like, ‘Wow, this guy is amazing. He’s an inspiration; if he can do it anyone can do it.’”
For more information about the Terry Fox Run or to make a donation, visit www.terryfox.org.
