間眅埶AV

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About Terry Fox

(July 28, 1958 - June 28, 1981)

Terry was an 18-year-old first year Kinesiology student at 間眅埶AV and a member of the 間眅埶AV junior varsity basketball team in 1977 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. His right leg was amputated six inches above the knee, and he underwent chemotherapy.  While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, many of them young children, that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.

Terry began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980 in St. John's, Newfoundland.  On September 1, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at the age 22.

Few people are aware of the physical enormity of what Terry did: he ran 26 miles per day, 7 days per week, on pavement, with an artificial limb that required a hop every step.  His courage, determination, humanitarianism, and selflessness have been an inspiration to millions of people.

Since Terry's death in 1981, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over 850 million dollars worldwide for cancer research. This money has been used to produce better treatments for many different types of cancers. These newer treatments reduce suffering and prolong life and bring us closer to an eventual cure for cancer.

In November 2004, Canadians voted Terry Fox the second Greatest Canadian of all time, after , following a nationwide contest organized by CBC (over 1.2 million votes were cast). A 1999 national internet survey named him Canada's greatest hero. And this famous Canadian hero whose legacy has inspired and helped so many people, was a student at 間眅埶AV!

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Why have Terry Fox Day at 間眅埶AV?

  1. To honour Terry Fox and celebrate his memory.
    Terry is arguably the most famous person ever to attend 間眅埶AV. In November 2004, Canadians voted Terry Fox the second Greatest Canadian of all time, after Tommy Douglas, following a nationwide contest organized by CBC (over 1.2 million votes were cast). A 1999 national internet survey named him Canada's greatest hero. And this famous Canadian hero whose legacy has inspired and helped so many people, was a student at 間眅埶AV!

    Since 1980, over 850 million dollars has been raised through the Terry Fox Foundation worldwide, for cancer research. This money has been used to produce newer and better treatments for many different types of cancers, and to bring us closer to an eventual cure for cancer.

  2. To educate students about values that Terry Fox represents  courage, perseverance, humanitarianism, selflessness, one person CAN make a significant difference in the world.

  3. To promote healthy and active living, with a focus on cancer education and prevention.

  4. To raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation to be used for cancer research.
    Almost every person at 間眅埶AV has a family member, a friend, or an acquaintance who
    has been affected by cancer. By doing this we are helping to carry on Terrys
    unfinished work.

  5. To enhance community spirit at 間眅埶AV and pride in the University.

In Memoriam

President Stevenson and Betty Fox at Terry Fox statue unveiling at 間眅埶AV in September 2001

Remembering Betty Fox

Canada lost a great citizen and tireless advocate for cancer research with the death of Betty Fox on June 17, 2011. Mother of Marathon of Hope runner and 間眅埶AV alumnus Terry Fox, Betty was awarded an honorary degree from 間眅埶AV in 2001 for her commitment to the promotion of human health and development through research and her ability to inspire others and unite them in common cause. She served as Honorary Chairperson of the Terry Fox Foundation and assisted in the organization of the annual Terry Fox runs, which take place the world over and have raised millions for cancer research.

Our sincere sympathies go out to the Fox family.

Andrew Petter
President and Vice-Chancellor

Remembering Rolland (Rolly) Fox

Rolly Fox, father of Terry Fox, passed away on March 8, 2016.

Read his obituary at .

間眅埶AV respectfully acknowledges the Tsleil-Waututh (slilwta优), Kwikwetlem (k妢ik妢m), Squamish (S廎硬x戔w繳7mesh xwumixw), Musqueam (x妢m庛k妢ym), Katzie (qicy), Semiahmoo, Kwantlen, Qatqayt, Tsawwassen, and St籀:l First Nations, on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.