Terry Fox

Full Name: Terrance Stanley Fox CC OD
Profession: Distance Runner and Cancer Research Activist

Nationality:

Biography: Terry Fox was diagnosed osteogenic sarcoma, with a form of cancer at just 18 years old and his leg was amputated above the knee. Motivated by the suffering of others with cancer and realising that there was not enough funding for cancer research, so he formulated a plan to fundraise by running across Canada with his artificial leg.

Terry began his Marathon of Hope in April 1980 running from the Atlantic coast of Canada to the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia, talking about the importance of cancer research as he went. His quest brought increasing attention and had united the nation before he was forced to retire from running near Thunder Bay, Ontario, in September 1980, due to chest pains, having run 5,373 kilometres. Terry's cancer had returned and despite treatment he died the next year.

Even before his death Fox's endeavor had raised $24 million for research and he was named Canadian of the Year. There has been a Terry Fox run every year since in Canada and around the world, raising over 850 million for cancer.

Born: July 28, 1958
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Leo

Died: June 28, 1981 (aged 22)
Cause of Death: Cancer