On this day April 12, 1980, Canadian athlete and cancer survivor Terry Fox began his legendary Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland. His goal was to run across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research a journey that would inspire millions around the world.
Terry Fox had lost his right leg to osteosarcoma at just 18 years old. Refusing to be defined by the disease, he trained for months with a prosthetic leg and set out to run a full marathon distance every day, despite the pain and physical toll. His determination, courage, and selflessness made him a national hero in Canada and a global symbol of hope. Though he was forced to end the run in September after the cancer returned, Fox ran more than 3,300 miles over 143 days. His legacy continues through the annual Terry Fox Run, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research.
Fun fact: Terry Fox was also the first amputee to finish the New York Marathon, completing the race in 1979 before launching his cross country run.
Trivia question: What Canadian athlete began his cross country Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, to raise money for cancer research after losing his leg to cancer?
Terry Fox had lost his right leg to osteosarcoma at just 18 years old. Refusing to be defined by the disease, he trained for months with a prosthetic leg and set out to run a full marathon distance every day, despite the pain and physical toll. His determination, courage, and selflessness made him a national hero in Canada and a global symbol of hope. Though he was forced to end the run in September after the cancer returned, Fox ran more than 3,300 miles over 143 days. His legacy continues through the annual Terry Fox Run, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research.
Fun fact: Terry Fox was also the first amputee to finish the New York Marathon, completing the race in 1979 before launching his cross country run.
Trivia question: What Canadian athlete began his cross country Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, to raise money for cancer research after losing his leg to cancer?
