The Legacy of Terry Fox in the Ottawa Valley

Cancer. A word that sends shivers down the spine of those who read it and stops the hearts of those who hear it. The fear of cancer creeps into the minds of almost every Canadian, and the pain of this disease will unfortunately touch the lives of 2 out of every 5 Canadians. You, or someone you know will be forced to endure this struggle. To those who have survived, or are currently fighting this battle, or have felt the grief associate with the loss of a loved one, you have my utmost respect and greatest sympathy. Though that alone cannot dispel the trials we face, with tears in our eyes, and with aching hearts we press on. However, even in those periods of hardship we can find beacons of light. People, whose struggles inspire us to push through the darkness, to bear the pain, and to fight back. One man comes to mind. A man whose story has touched the lives of millions of Canadians and people across the world decades after his passing. The light this man left behind still burns bright and tells us that anything is possible, if we try.

“I want to try the impossible, to show that it can be done.”

Terry Fox was an athlete, humanitarian, cancer research activist, and to many… a hero. Born on July 28 th , 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Terry established himself at a young age as a gifted athlete competing on his school basketball team, as well as cross-country running. Note for his deeply competitive nature, and his stubborn dedication to the goals he set for himself. After ignoring a right knee injury in a car accident in 1976 he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer that develops near the knees. His leg was amputated, but this did not deter the young Fox. True to his character, and with a positive outlook Terry recovered rapidly and continued to pursue sports. However, 16 months of chemotherapy and witnessing the deaths of many of his friends due to cancer lit a fire in his heart. With a hardened sense of purpose, he embarked on a journey across Canada to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research. Sadly, the fire in his heart, and the strength of his character alone could not kill the sickness in his body. After 143 days, and with the cancer having returned, Terry Fox died in 1981 at age 22. Yet, the fire of the young Fox did not extinguish. Instead, it blazed into an inferno that would spread across the country, and the whole world. Emboldening the minds and spirits of millions of people to carry on his legacy. Even here in the Ottawa Valley.

“How many people ever get a chance to do something that they really believe in?”

Ever since his death in 1981, and after being inaugurated in September of that year, the Terry Fox Run has been held annually. With an importance placed on participation as opposed to completion, the Terry Fox Run is held officially and unofficially by a number of different townships, organizations, and even schools right here in the Ottawa Valley. After two years since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Terry Fox Run is finally returning as an in-person event. In Renfrew, Ontario, residents Patti Leclaire and Dan Donahue are organizing the towns 42 nd consecutive Terry Fox Run. “With the Renfrew Runs and what the schools donate each year we’re up over $500,000 from Renfrew raised since 1981.” Said Dan Donahue, co-organizer to the Renfrew Terry Fox Run. “We got a lot of support from the community. It definitely has a community feel to it. We’re helping each other, people come out as families, bring their dogs, some people come as a group. It’s so inspiring.” Commenting on the need for Canadians to know his story, Dan spoke with such emotion describing who Terry Fox was, and what he means to him. “Terry Fox was a very genuine individual. There was no artifice about him, there was nothing showy, and he wasn’t doing anything for himself. He was a real heroic figure if you want to talk about heroes.”

“Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going.”

Stan Halliday of Pembroke, Ontario has been participating in runs as well as fundraising for the Terry Fox Run since its inception in 1981. “Just before Terry died my dad died. My mom really admired Terry Fox, so seeing as I was running and that, she asked me if I would do the Terry Fox Run on behalf of my dad. I’ve done it ever since.” Stan recounted his story. Despite Pembroke, Ontario having no official organized run this year that has not extinguished the flame in Stan’s heart, nor in the hearts of the town’s residents. “I’ve had real good backing from all the organizations like the Legion, right now even though there’s no run in Pembroke I’ve raised over $4,000. That’s nearly every year.” The efforts put forth by the members of our community cannot be understated, as they are the reason Terry Fox’s legacy has been carried on for over 4 decades since his passing. Sadly, many Canadians today are still afflicted by or have been grief stricken with the loss of a loved one to cancer. “I lost a lot of my family, and I lost a lot of great friends.” Stan Halliday said of his own personal losses.

“I’m not a quitter.”

Terry Fox. A man whose name is synonymous with perseverance, resilience, and compassion. A man who, even in death, has touched the lives of millions of Canadians and people across the world decades after his passing. Often hailed as one of Canada’s greatest heroes, his legacy has rippled through time inspiring and strengthening those who still remember him today. The fire that burned within the young Fox’s heart, is the same that burns within the hearts of our community today. As of April 2020, over $800 million has been raised in his name for Cancer Research.