A picture of Terry Fox wearing a t-shirt saying Marathon of HopeTerry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 28, 1958. He grew up in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia and was an athletic teenager, participating in both long distance running and basketball at high school and university.

In 1977, Terry was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that led to the amputation of his right leg. Despite this hardship, Terry had a very positive outlook, and three weeks after the amputation, he was walking with an artificial leg.

Terry endured sixteen months of chemotherapy, and during his treatments, he became interested in supporting cancer research. He was inspired to take up long distance running again, and completed his first post-surgery marathon in 1979. He began to formulate a plan to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research; his goal was to raise $1 for each of Canada’s 24 million people.

 

Picture of Terry Fox Marathon of Hope banner stating how many miles he ran (2146) and how far he has to go (3154)
Terry Fox Marathon of Hope banner
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 540, Item 2

 

Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980 at St. John’s, Newfoundland. Initially, Fox was disheartened. He felt that support for his cause was lacking and contributions were disappointing. Things began to change however once he reached Ontario. His fame was growing and the Canadian Cancer Society arranged many functions where Terry delivered inspirational speeches.

 

Picture of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope van outside Scarborough Civic centre with a police officer beside it and a crowd around it
Terry Fox Marathon of Hope van outside the Scarborough Civic Centre
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 540, Item 1
A picture of Terry Fox walking with Alderman Eidt and Mayor Harris
Terry Fox with Scarborough Mayor Gus Harris and Alderman Shirley Eidt
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 2127, Item 1

 

A picture of inside Scarborough Civic Centre of Terry Fox and hundreds of people gathered around
Crowd gathered around Terry in the central space of the Scarborough Civic Centre
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 542, Item 1

 

Initially, Scarborough staff were concerned there wouldn’t be a crowd to greet Terry, but they couldn’t have been more wrong. The crowd filled the central space and jammed the surrounding balconies of the Civic Centre with an outpouring of community support.

Above Terry’s head hung a banner which read “Scarborough Welcomes Terry Fox.” Children from Scarborough’s Parks & Recreation summer camp program were seated near the podium to welcome the young runner

 

A picture of the Borough of Scarborough Employee Newsletter showing the crowd gathering around Terry Fox inside the Scarborough Civic Centre
The Civic Communicator, Borough of Scarborough Employee Newsletter
October, 1980, Issue 24
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1763, Box 187549

 

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A picture of Terry Fox inside Scarborough Civic Centre surrounded by a huge crowd
Terry Fox inside the Scarborough Civic Centre
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 2127, Item 11

 

A picture of Terry Fox speaking to a huge crowd inside Scarborough Civic Centre
Terry Fox at podium speaking, Scarborough Civic Centre
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 2129, Item 16

 

A picture of the Scarborough Council Minutes, June 23,1980, page 169
Scarborough Council minutes
June 23, 1980, page 169
City of Toronto Archives
Series 647, File 979

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erry Fox receives presentation tray from Alderman Shirley Eidt
Terry Fox receives presentation tray from Alderman Shirley Eidt
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 2128, Item 9

 

Terry was appointed Honorary Mayor of Scarborough for the day, and the City of Scarborough pledged a $5,000 contribution. In addition, Helen Campbell, widow of Scarborough’s first Mayor, Albert Campbell, presented Terry with a cheque from the Scarborough Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society. Terry was also presented with a commemorative tray by Alderman Shirley Eidt.

 

A picture of Terry Fox receiving the mayoral chain from Mayor Harris, Mayor putting the chain around Terry Fox's neck
Terry Fox receiving mayoral Chain of Office from Scarborough Mayor, Gus Harris
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 2127, Item 9

 

Terry also stopped to sign autographs with children before leaving the Scarborough Civic Centre.

 

A picture of Terry Fox receiving gifts from two girl guides
Terry Fox receiving gifts from Girl Guides
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 2128, Item 7
A picture of Terry Fox talking to children
Terry Fox talking to children
July 11, 1980
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1762, File 2129, Item 3

 

After leaving Toronto, he continued on his journey. However, by August he was completely exhausted and was forced to abandon his marathon just outside of Thunder Bay. His cancer had spread to his lungs and he could no longer continue. After 143 days, Terry had run 5,373 kilometres and raised $1.7 million. In the following months, he continued to receive various treatments, but his cancer continued to spread and he died on June 28, 1981.

Terry’s legacy has proven itself since his death, and many Canadians consider him to be our national hero. Money raised by the Terry Fox Foundation and their annual Terry Fox Run has exceeded $500 million. This money has assisted many scientists to make important advances in cancer research.