On April 12, 1980, a 21-year-old man with one healthy leg and a dream to raise awareness for cancer research set out from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on a continent-crossing marathon. Terry Fox would never complete his Marathon of Hope, but his legacy has inspired countless Canadians in their fight against cancer.
The goal of Fox’s cross-Canada Marathon of Hope was simple: raise money for cancer research. Having recently had his leg amputated due to his own battle with cancer, Fox was both a perfect spokesperson and loveable underdog. He was instantly recognizable as he ran along the highway on his artificial leg. By the time he reached Northern Ontario he had become a Canadian hero, with local onlookers cheering for Fox as he passed by.
Unfortunately, Fox’s cancer returned and he was forced to end his marathon on September 1, 1980. After admitting himself to the hospital, Fox said, “[The cancer returning] intensifies what I did. It gives it more meaning. It’ll inspire more people. I just wish that people would realize that anything is possible.” Fox died later on June 28, 1981, having completed 5,373km of his 7,386km Marathon of Hope.
The Terry Fox Monument, featuring a statue by Monfred Pirwitz, was unveiled on June 26, 1982. Due to construction, the monument was moved from its original location. On October 1, 1993, with Fox’s mother Betty in attendance for the dedication ceremony, the monument’s new, and current, location along Highway 11/17 north of Thunder Bay was opened to the public. The monument is not located at the exact spot where Fox ended his run- that was near Shuniah. A Mile 3339 marker was erected along Highway 11/17 to commemorate the spot. In addition, the stretch of highway between Nipigon and Thunder Bay was named the Terry Fox Courage Highway to honour the enduring legacy of Fox and his Marathon of Hope.
44 years later, Ryan Keeping of Halifax, Nova Scotia, decided to run Fox’s trans-Canada marathon in under 100 days while raising money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Keeping’s family has been affected by heart disease, the way Fox’s life was by cancer. Keeping documented his journey on Instagram, encouraging Canadians to “flip the switch” and inspiring people of all ages to pursue their dreams in spite of adversity. He arrived at the Terry Fox Monument on May 28, 2024, filled with emotion and surrounded by supporters.
Keeping reached Mile Zero in Victoria, British Columbia, on July 7, 2024, where his father Scott poured water he’d collected from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific. Keeping’s run raised over $250,000 for heart disease research and patient care. Keeping, and countless other Canadians who participate in Terry Fox runs each year, continue Fox’s legacy of indomitable courage, determination, and hope.
If you would like to learn more about iconic Canadians like Terry Fox, or anything else Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay District-related, contact us at research@tbpl.ca.
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