Office of the Premier
VICTORIA – He's one of Canada's most iconic and inspirational citizens- a symbol of hope, courage and determination in the fight against cancer, and the B.C. government recently legislated a day in his name.
With the passing of the Terry Fox Day Act in the B.C. legislature, the second Sunday after Labour Day will now be officially known as Terry Fox Day. This is also the date of the hundreds of annual cross-Canada Terry Fox Runs commemorating Fox's Marathon of Hope.
"Terry Fox is an inspiration for British Columbians, Canadians, and people all over the world," said Premier Christy Clark. "His message of hope and the movement he started continue to impact countless lives. This legislation that MLA Linda Reimer championed shows B.C. recognizes the difference he made in the world, and we will commemorate him every second Sunday after Labour Day from now on."
Beginning in April 1980, Fox ran for 143 days and 5,373 kilometres from St. John's, Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to raise money for cancer research. On Sept. 1, 1980, Fox's worsening condition forced him to end his one-man marathon and that was the beginning of something bigger than he had ever imagined.
This legislation recognizes Fox as a symbol of hope for British Columbians, and gives both the government and British Columbians the opportunity to carry on his vision and celebrate his living legacy.
"Our sincere thanks to MLA Linda Reimer for taking the lead and introducing the Terry Fox Day act to the legislature," said Rolly Fox, father of Terry Fox. "We have been moved by the kind, generous and sincere words expressed by all members of the house since the bill was introduced."
When Fox began his Marathon of Hope in 1980, his goal was to raise $1 from every Canadian to fight cancer. Today, more than $650 million has been raised in Fox's name in Canada and around the world for cancer research.
Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquitlam, B.C. He died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22.
"I'm not a dreamer, and I'm not saying this will initiate any kind of definitive answer or cure to cancer, but I believe in miracles. I have to." - Terry Fox
Every year, millions of people in close to 30 countries participate in the Terry Fox Run, National School Run Day, Terry's CAUSE on Campus and Terry Fox fundraising events.
There are 14 schools and 15 roads in Canada named after Terry Fox.
To find out more about Terry Fox fundraisers and the Terry Fox Foundation, visit: http://www.terryfox.org/