Bittersweet Anniversary

In September of 1980, I was just a little tyke entering grade one. I have a few vivid memories of that school year but one of the strongest is of the huge poster that hung in the main hallway outside the principal's office. That poster depicted a curly haired man in shorts and a t-shirt running down a country road. But this wasn't just any man. His name was Terry Fox.

Terry Fox had been diagnosed with cancer at an early age. The disease stole his leg at only 18 years old, welcoming him to manhood with the clear message that life isn't always fair. Not one to be easily defeated, Terry struck out on a "Marathon of Hope" - running across Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer.

His goal of reaching the pacific was cut short exactly 25 years ago today (Sept 1, 1980) when the cancer spread to his lungs and eventually knocked him down for the last time a few months later. He had completed 5373 km over 143 straight days, which averages out to running a full marathon every single day for more than 4.5 months.

I've since had a number of loved ones fall to the same disease that defeated Terry. I've never enjoyed running myself but I remember that poster and being aware even then that this man wasn't just racing to win at some game. His marathon had ended mere days before the school year started and he was already a centre-piece at my school. Every year since, children across the country have participated in the Terry Fox Run to continue his mission. (http://www.terryfoxrun.org)

Terry Fox was recently listed as the number two Greatest Canadian of all time behind Tommy Douglas who, somewhat ironically, was the founder of Canada's national health care system. Terry's middle name was Stanley - as in "Cup" - and really, how much more Canadian can you get? His legacy has helped immeasurably in the fight against cancer and given Canadians a national hero that everyone can embrace from English to French and from coast to coast.

Terry Fox - b. July 28, 1958 - d. June 28, 1981