As history recalls, on September 1st 1980, Terry Fox was forced to abandon his run across Canada in Thunder Bay, Ontario, when the cancer that had taken his leg returned, spreading to his lungs. Refusing to be defeated, he charged Canadians with continuing his quest. “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going.”
While it seemed that Terry Fox’s dream of raising $1 for every Canadian was in jeopardy, the nation responded. The CTV network organized a telethon in support of Terry’s cause and helped raise over ten million dollars. By February of 1981 the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund eclipsed twenty-four million dollars, the (then) national population. Less than five months later, Terry would lose his battle to cancer. He was 22 years old.
Though forty-three years have passed since the original Marathon of Hope, Terry Fox is honoured and recognized across Canada and internationally for his heroic quest to eradicate cancer and his trailblazing attitudes toward disability. With more than three-quarters of a billion dollars raised in Terry’s name to date, schools across Canada honour him by participating in an annual school event. This year Rosedale Heights will be holding its school run on Thursday, October 19th, 2023.
Over Rosedale Heights Public School’s twenty-one years of participating in the annual Terry Fox School Run event, the school has raised an incredible amount–over $50,000–and we’re hoping to continue this year. You can help our fundraising efforts in one of two ways. Donations in the name of the school can easily be made online, directly to the Terry Fox Foundation at our school-specific link https://schools.terryfox.ca/38364 simply by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button. Alternatively, pledge forms will also be sent home with students this week. Any donation, whether online or returned to the school with the pledge form, is appreciated. Our community will continue to contribute in an important way to the ongoing effort to eradicate cancer in our lifetime.
Conquering cancer is a challenging but especially worthwhile goal. Terry never gave up. “I am not a quitter – that means not giving up on things you hold close to your heart, be it people you care about or dreams for yourself and a better world. It means believing in the possible and committing to it.” This year, once again, we will work together to honour Terry’s commitment to never quitting.
We thank you for your support.