Remembering Terry Fox on the 40th Anniversary of his Marathon of Hope

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the start of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. When Terry dipped his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean and headed West, who would have imagined how far he and his dream would have come since then. It was an uncertain journey, and it didn’t manifest until the end, but we can now see the impact he had and the legacy he created. It’s a testament to Terry’s legacy to see his dream continue through numerous Terry Fox Runs around the world each year.

Even though Terry’s purpose was to help find a cure for cancer, I was acutely aware of how much of an impact he was having in demonstrating the potential of people with disabilities. He was indirectly shifting attitudes from pity and limitation to respect, ability and potential.

Terry proved that people with disabilities have ability, and his journey inspired me to embark on my Man In Motion World Tour. I wanted to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities, and I probably wouldn’t have done it, if not for his friendship.

I miss Terry. We all suffered a great loss when he passed away. Terry was an ordinary Canadian with extraordinary determination to make a difference. He had something in him that we all have within ourselves: hope. 

Terry has become an iconic hero to humanity given what he was striving for. He had the courage to not just dream about making a difference, he had the courage to take the first step on his Marathon of Hope. His journey is a reminder that we all have challenges, and if we can overcome them, we can go beyond to make a difference in this world. All we need to do is just start by taking that first step. I believe there is a bit of Terry Fox in all of us.