Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 26th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run

Today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement to mark the annual Terry Fox Run.

“In the spring of 1980, Terry Fox began a journey across Canada that would inspire millions of people around the world to join his quest to find a cure for cancer. 

“The young man from Port Coquitlam, B.C. called his cross-country run a Marathon of Hope.  It began in St. John’s, Newfoundland and ended prematurely 143 days and 5,400 kilometres later in Thunder Bay, Ontario because the cancer that had claimed his right leg three years earlier had returned. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981, but the end of his life only marked the beginning of his extraordinary legacy.

“His bravery and tenacity are remembered and honoured every year by tens of thousands of people in Canada and 50 other countries around the world who participate in the Terry Fox Run. They include legions of schoolchildren who learn valuable lessons about volunteerism, courage, sacrifice and dedication to a cause. To date they have raised $400 million for cancer research.

“Terry is a true Canadian hero and an inspiration to us all.  May we never forget the lesson he taught us: ‘Dreams are made possible if you try.’”