Special Day in Canada

This is a special time of year for Canadians...it marks the anniversary of the death of one of Canada's greatest heroes, Terry Fox. For any of you that don't know, Terry started the "Marathon of Hope (An attempt to run across Canada)" in St. Johns, Newfoundland on April 12th 1980. What was so incredible about this was that he had lost his right leg to cancer 3 years prior. Using a prosthetic leg and a now famous "limp," Terry ran an average of 42 km (a marathon) a day in an effort to raise money for cancer research. He was forced to stop his run on Sept. 1st, 1980 just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because the cancer that victimized his leg had now spread to his lungs. He was only 22 years old. A memorial outside that city still stands today as a symbol of true grit, courage, determination...the list can go on forever.

Every year since 1981, Canadians have come together in the middle of September to run, walk, rollerblade, and cycle for Terry's cause. The number of runs in '81 was 760...the figure today sits at over 12,000. This event is not specific to Canada, either. Millions around the world participate in similar runs, albeit at different times of the year. An incredible $360 million dollars has been raised worldwide over the last 25 years.

Interestingly enough, Cuba has the 2nd most participants after Canada...2 million. Even the Chinese government allows an annual Terry Fox Run. The figure is estimated at around 10,000, but is increasing every year.

A very interesting article about the event can be found here.

Growing up in Canada, I can tell you that this was a very big event every September. It was just something you did...no matter how out of shape you were. If Terry could do it, why couldn't you? Terry Fox is in the hearts of all Canadians and will always be one of my heroes.

Thanks to everyone that participates in such events...I know you would make him proud.