# Terry Fox > Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist **Wikidata**: [Q295053](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q295053) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/terry-fox ## Summary Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist who became famous for his Marathon of Hope, a cross-country run to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, which led to the establishment of the annual Terry Fox Run charity event. ## Biography - Born: 1958-07-28 (July 28, 1958) - Nationality: Canada - Education: Harvard University, Simon Fraser University - Known for: Marathon of Hope and cancer research activism - Employer(s): Harvard University, Simon Fraser University - Field(s): Athlete, humanitarian, cancer research ## Contributions Terry Fox's most significant contribution was the Marathon of Hope, a cross-country run from St. John's, Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario that began on April 12, 1981 and ended on September 1, 1981. The run covered approximately 143 days and 5,373 kilometers (3,378 miles). The event raised over $24 million for cancer research and inspired the creation of the annual Terry Fox Run, which has become a global charity event. Fox's efforts led to increased public awareness about cancer research and funding, and his legacy continues through the Terry Fox Foundation and ongoing cancer research initiatives. ## FAQs ### What was the purpose of Terry Fox's run? Terry Fox initiated the Marathon of Hope to raise awareness and funds for cancer research after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 18. The run aimed to inspire public support for cancer research and ultimately established the annual Terry Fox Run charity event. ### Where did Terry Fox attend university? Terry Fox was educated at Harvard University and Simon Fraser University. He attended Harvard University before transferring to Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. ### What was the outcome of Terry Fox's cancer research activism? Fox's Marathon of Hope raised over $24 million for cancer research, established the Terry Fox Foundation, and inspired the creation of the annual Terry Fox Run, which has become a global charity event supporting cancer research initiatives. ### What is the Terry Fox Run? The Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous locations around the world, established in 1981 following Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope. The event raises funds for cancer research and has become one of the largest charity events globally. ## Why They Matter Terry Fox's work fundamentally changed public perception of cancer research and fundraising. His Marathon of Hope demonstrated that individual determination could mobilize widespread public support for a cause, establishing a new model for grassroots fundraising and awareness campaigns. The legacy of his efforts continues to influence cancer research initiatives worldwide, with the annual Terry Fox Run maintaining his mission of raising funds and awareness for cancer research. Without his initiative, cancer research funding and public awareness campaigns might not have achieved the same level of community engagement and financial support. ## Notable For - Initiated the Marathon of Hope in 1981 to raise funds for cancer research - Established the annual Terry Fox Run charity event - Received the Nansen Refugee Award in 1986 - Inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame - Designated as a Person of National Historic Significance by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada - Awarded the Northern Star Award for being Canada's top athlete - Recognized as Canadian Newsmaker of the Year - Inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame - Featured on Canada's Walk of Fame ## Body ### Early Life and Education Terry Fox was born as Terrance Stanley Fox on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He grew up in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, where he developed an interest in sports and athletics. Fox attended Harvard University before transferring to Simon Fraser University in 1979. His education at these institutions provided him with the foundation for his later athletic career and activism. ### Athletic Career Fox was a talented athlete who excelled in various sports, including cross-country running, soccer, and field hockey. He represented Canada in track and field at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, where he competed in the 5,000-meter race. His athletic background prepared him for the physical demands of his later marathon efforts. ### The Marathon of Hope In 1981, Fox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, after feeling a lump in his right knee. After recovering from surgery and chemotherapy, he decided to run across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. The Marathon of Hope began on April 12, 1981, in St. John's, Newfoundland, and ended on September 1, 1981, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The run covered approximately 143 days and 5,373 kilometers (3,378 miles), with Fox averaging about 142 kilometers per week. ### Legacy and Impact Fox's Marathon of Hope raised over $24 million for cancer research, which was distributed through the Terry Fox Foundation. The foundation continues to support cancer research initiatives across Canada and internationally. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1982, has become one of the largest charity events globally, with participants in over 60 countries raising millions of dollars annually for cancer research. ### Recognition and Honors Fox received numerous honors for his contributions: - The Nansen Refugee Award in 1986 - Induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame - Designation as a Person of National Historic Significance by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada - The Northern Star Award for Canada's top athlete - Recognition as Canadian Newsmaker of the Year - Induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame - Placement on Canada's Walk of Fame ### Mount Terry Fox In recognition of his contributions, Mount Terry Fox was named after him in the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia. The mountain stands as a permanent tribute to his legacy and serves as a landmark in the Canadian wilderness. ### Continued Influence Fox's legacy extends beyond the financial contributions to cancer research. His story has inspired countless individuals to pursue their goals and make a difference in their communities. The Terry Fox Foundation continues his work through research grants, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives. His example demonstrates how individual determination can create lasting positive change in society. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. [Source](https://www.cdnmedhall.ca/laureates/terryfox) 4. [Source](http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_fra.aspx?id=12011) 5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 6. Find a Grave 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Quora 9. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Terry_Fox-NA5N3)