B.C. immortalizes national hero Terry Fox

Image Credit: The Canadian Press

November 28, 2014 - 9:35 AM

"I'M NOT A DREAMER, AND I'M NOT SAYING THIS WILL INITIATE ANY KIND OF DEFINITIVE ANSWER OR CURE TO CANCER, BUT I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES. I HAVE TO."

- Terry Fox

He's one of Canada's most iconic and inspirational citizens — a symbol of hope, courage and determination in the fight against cancer, and yesterday, the B.C. government legislated a day in his name.

With the passing of the Terry Fox Day Act in the B.C. legislature, the second Sunday after Labour Day will now be officially known as Terry Fox Day. This is also the date of the hundreds of annual cross- Canada Terry Fox Runs commemorating Fox's Marathon of Hope.

"Terry Fox is an inspiration for British Columbians, Canadians, and people all over the world," said Premier Christy Clark. "His message of hope and the movement he started continue to impact countless lives."

The legislation was championed by MLA Linda Reimer to show B.C. recognizes the difference he made in the world.

Beginning in April 1980, Fox ran for 143 days and 5,373 kilometres from St. John's, Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to raise money for cancer research. On Sept. 1, 1980, Fox's worsening condition forced him to end his one-man marathon and that was the beginning of something bigger than he had ever imagined.

"Terry Fox is an incredible inspiration for those of us here in the Tri-Cities area and for people across Canada and around the world. Following his diagnosis, he chose to devote his life to finding a cure for cancer through his Marathon of Hope, and while he couldn't finish it himself, people in countries all over the world continue to participate in the run that he started," Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer said. "I am honoured and privileged to have played a part in enacting the Terry Fox Day Act, which will forever recognize the significant impact that Terry Fox has made in our province and throughout the world."

"Our sincere thanks to MLA Linda Reimer for taking the lead and introducing the Terry Fox Day act to the legislature," Rolly Fox, father of Terry Fox said. "We have been moved by the kind, generous and sincere words expressed by all members of the house since the bill was introduced. We are truly thankful, as the Terry Fox Day act acknowledges the magnificent efforts of 'Terry Foxers' from Ucluelet to Fort Nelson and every B.C. community in between, who further Terry's dream of eradicating cancer once and for all."

When Fox began his Marathon of Hope in 1980, his goal was to raise $1 from every Canadian to fight cancer. Today, more than $650 million has been raised in Fox's name in Canada and around the world for cancer research.

Fox was born in born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquitlam, B.C. He died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22.