Terrance "Terry" Fox was an athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1977, Terry discovered he had a malignant tumor in his right leg, which resulted in his leg being amputated six inches above the knee. The night before his amputation, he read about an amputee runner and began to pursue his dream of running, despite having only one leg.
Three years later, after having pushed himself to walk again, Terry embarked on a cross-country run known as the "Marathon Of Hope" to raise money and awareness for cancer research. According to the CDC, he ran 26 miles every day, rain, shine, or snow. Skeptics thought he would never make it past New Brunswick, but he blew everyone away.
During the marathon, his cancer spread and he was forced to stop running after 143 days and 3,339 miles. On June 28, 1981, Terry passed away one month before his 23rd birthday.
Though Terry was no longer with us, his legacy has since lived on. The annual Terry Fox Run is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. Every year, millions of people in 25 countries participate in The National School Run Day, The Terry Fox Run, and Terry Fox fundraising events. Over $650 million has been raised in Terry's name.
Please watch the touching video below in remembrance of this incredible hero, and SHARE it with your friends on Facebook.
