It’s during difficult times that we need heroes the most. The person who rises above adversity and inspires us to be better ourselves. An icon we can turn to for hope.
In 1980 an unknown young man from Port Coquitlam set out from Newfoundland with very little fanfare. Terry Fox was on a mission to raise one dollar for every Canadian — $24 million in total. After 143 days, his Marathon of Hope had made it to Thunder Bay, Ontario where he could go on no longer.
Though Fox succumbed to his battle with cancer, his death was the just the beginning of a story that continues to inspire us to this day.
“Even if we don’t finish, we need others to continue,” Fox said in July 1980 during his journey. “It’s got to keep going.”
Since 1981 the Terry Fox Run has been a September staple across Canada and the world. The goal of $24 million has long since been surpassed. More than $500 million has been raised for cancer research over the 30 years.
In a modest nation like Canada, we tend to shy away from hero worship. And that’s what makes Terry Fox even more inspiring. He set out with a big goal and a big heart, but his journey had very little to do with himself. He could have never imagined his legacy would last this long and that school children would still be taught about this humble young man. He made all Canadians believe in heroes.
When you look around the world, the nation and right in our backyard, times are tough. The economy is in turmoil and folks are struggling. It’s now that Terry Fox’s light should shine the brightest.
On Sunday morning the Nelson version of the Terry Fox Run will take place at Lakeside Park. Being part of this legacy is an important part of being Canadian. It shows that even during difficult times, we can find the courage to carry on and make a difference.
See you there.