Terry Fox (1958–1981), born on this day in Winnipeg, Manitoba, was a natural athlete when bone cancer led to the amputation of his right leg six inches above the knee.

That experience inspired him to create the Marathon of Hope, a coast-to-coast run across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research. “I’m not doing the run to become rich or famous,” he said.

In 1980, he began his journey in St. John's, Newfoundland, averaging 26 miles per day. He ran for 143 days. Halfway to British Columbia, with 3,300 miles behind him, he had to stop—his cancer had returned and spread to his lungs.

“I was doing what I wanted and a dream was coming true and that, above everything else, made it all worthwhile to me,” Fox said. “Even though it was so difficult, there was not another thing in the world I would have rather been doing.”

His Marathon of Hope raised $24.17 million.

Today, Canadians—and the world—carry on his legacy. Every year, non-competitive family runs are held in over 3,000 communities. By 2001, more than 50 countries and 242,000 participants were involved. To date, more than $550 million has been raised for cancer research.

“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.”

Inspirational and fierce, Terry Fox was the embodiment of determination and heroic courage.

“He was literally a mystic character,” said Isadore Sharp, founder of the Terry Fox Run. “You stand or die for your principles, and he died, as a hero, for a cause greater than himself.”

Terry Fox ran with heart, kissed by the sun, carrying hope mile after mile.

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