Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, a community near Vancouver on Canada's west coast. An active teenager involved in many sports, Terry was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated 15 centimetres (six inches) above the knee in 1977.
While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, many of them young children, that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
He would call his journey the Marathon of Hope.
After 18 months and running over 5,000 kilometres (3,107 miles) to prepare, Terry started his run in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 with little fanfare. Although it was difficult to garner attention in the beginning, enthusiasm soon grew, and the money collected along his route began to mount. He ran close to 42 kilometres (26 miles) a day through Canada's Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario.
However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at the age 22.
The heroic Canadian was gone, but his legacy was just beginning.
For 40 years The Terry Fox Foundation has worked to achieve Terry’s vision – a world without cancer. Its researchers, staff and thousands of volunteers are determined to reach that goal. They strive daily to uphold Terry’s ideals and values in everything they do – and always will.
To date, over $800 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.
Mission
Driven by Terry’s courage and determination, we collaborate with and inspire people around the world to support and fundraise for bold, extraordinary research to end cancer.
Terry Fox Research Institute and Terry Fox Foundation
The Terry Fox Research Institute and Terry Fox Foundation work together to build on Terry’s dream to end cancer through research.
Shared Vision
Bringing Canadians together to realize Terry Fox’s dream of a world without cancer.
Shared Values
Integrity: Guided by Terry's strong moral principles, we are committed to responsible fundraising, strategic investing and transparent reporting.
Inclusivity: Anyone can be a part of Terry’s Marathon of Hope. We value, respect and recognize all volunteers, donors and partners.
Perseverance: Terry never quit and neither will we until we realize a world without cancer.
Creativity: Inspired by Terry’s innovative spirit, we work to push boundaries and redefine the possible.
Excellence: Terry believed in science. Our supporters help fund the best and brightest Canadian researchers and their science for the greatest potential impact and results.