A 1999 national survey named Terry Fox as Canada’s greatest hero. Canadians then placed him just behind Tommy Douglas in a 2004 survey, as an average Canadian looking to make a difference, we love Terry and his story.
The Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope was to take him across Canada, the cancer that he battled would not deter him even with an artificial limb. While Terry’s dream did come to an end before he could see it become reality, his dream lives on well past his passing June 28, 1981.
His run began simply on April 12th on the east coast at St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Fox ran the equivalent of a full marathon every day. And by the time he reached Ontario people knew the name of Terry Fox. He was forced to end his run outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario after the cancer had spread to his lungs. Terry Fox died 9 months later on June 28th, 1981.
Terry’s running mission caught the attention of Canadians, it also ignited a global movement that remains today. The Terry Fox Foundation was created to remind us that the research and awareness of battling cancer is far from over.
A simple dream of running across Canada. A simple goal that if each Canadian gave just one dollar, his goal would be achieved. And the money raised, that was for cancer awareness and research. When Terry was forced off the road for treatment he had $1.7 million in donations from Canada – equivalent to over $6 million now. The donations continued to flood in from around the world and now an annual event, those funds continue to fuel the dream.
The Terry Fox Foundation is preparing for another year of spreading the word of who he was, what Fox accomplished during his time. And why legacy of the Marathon of Hope continues. The first Terry Fox Run was held on September 13, 1981. Today the run thrives with children having their own school events. Communities around the world raising funds for cancer research through September.
Sunday, April 12th is an important day for the Foundation with the anniversary of the beginning of Terry Fox’s coast to coast run in 1980. Terry’s brother, Fred Fox is touring Western Saskatchewan over the week telling Terry’s story of commitment to a goal that he set. An ordinary Canadian set to do extraordinary things. Its now our chance to help him finish the race whether its this year or twenty years from now.
Community presentations take place March 31st and April 1st – details below.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
6:00 pm – 8:00pm Beechy Community Hall
Community potluck followed by a presentation from Fred Fox
Organized by the Beechy Terry Fox Run committee
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
7:00 pm Eaton School Gym, Eatonia, SK
Fred Fox presentation, open to the public
Organized by the Eatonia Terry Fox Run committee
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