Terry Fox beyond doubt is the greatest Canadian because of his selfless determination to

find a cure for cancer. Terry Fox was born on 28th of July, 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Terry Fox’s legacy, with respect to raising money for cancer research, has saved many
lives. Terry’s Marathon of Hope has raised over 650 million dollars till today. An ill-fated
hero, Terry Fox could not save himself.
On March 9 Terry discovered that he has a malignant tumor, a type of cancer, in his right
leg. The leg was amputated 15cm above his right knee. A day before the amputation day
Terry’s basketball coach brought him an article about an amputee who ran a marathon.
Since then Terry had a dream to run a marathon. Approximately 2 years after his cancer
treatment, Terry Fox started training for his Marathon of Hope. On April 12, 1980 Terry Fox
began his Marathon in St John’s Harbour with a goal of gathering 1 dollar from each
Canadian and to raise at least one million dollars for cancer research. Most of the time terry
ran alone, however as terry ran more and more interest from people grew and so did the
donations. Yet, after 143 days and 5373 km a pain in Terry’s chest came up which even he
couldn’t overlook. The doctors told him that the cancer in his leg had reappeared in his
lungs. On September 1, 1980 the Marathon of Hope ended. Gradually, Terry surpassed his
goal by raising over 24 million dollars for cancer research. Sorrowfully, the treatments were
un-successful and Terry passed on June 28, 1981. Terry was awarded with various awards,
including the highest civilian award; Order of The Dogwood. Even the American Cancer
Society gave their highest civilian award; The Sword of Hope. In British Colombia, in the
Rocky Mountains, there is a 2639 metre Tall Mountain named after Terry Fox, Mount Terry
Fox. Furthermore, the Trans-Canada Highway was renamed Terry Fox Courage Highway.
“Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It is got to keep going without me.” These
words, spoken by Terry Fox, gave approximately 2 million people, men and women, boys
and girls, from 60 various countries to take part in Terry’s Marathon of Hope and collect
more than 22 million dollars annually. His perseverance and selfless devotion to the noble
cause promotes Terry Fox as the greatest Canadian.