An estimated 3.6 million Canadians will continue Terry Fox’s legacy this weekend.
Terry Fox Runs are scheduled in nearly 600 communities across the country to raise money for cancer research.
Terry’s younger brother, Darrell Fox, tells Acadia News that it fulfills Terry’s wishes he made in 1980 when he was forced to abandon his cross-country run.
“He wanted to be sure that the run would continue if he was not able to. And more importantly, that we continue to raise money in his name for cancer research,” says Fox.
“And that’s exactly what has happened over the last 44 years. Canadians have accepted that baton that Terry passed to everyone.”
The annual run has raised over $900 million in the process.
The run is also held in several other countries.
Fox has taken part in events in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malaysia and Singapore in the last year and a half.
“The reality is, this is a disease that doesn’t discriminate. It touches each and every one of us in some way, not only here in Canada, but globally. And we need to come together to eradicate cancer, and it’s so exciting to see that Terry’s story is out there beyond Canada and all these other countries.”
In 2007, the Terry Fox Research Institute was created to further the search for a cure, with International researchers reviewing research seeking support.
On the eve of this year’s Terry Fox Runs, four Canadian research teams were awarded funding of $19.8 million to advance cancer search and treatments.
Fox says progress is being made.
“We’re seeing so much progress, and outcomes are improving so much that we will get to a point where people will live with cancer. And that’s the ultimate goal. And that’s what Terry, that’s the path that Terry put us on in 1980.”
