Terry Fox
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Terry Fox has become the poster child of the person who can overcome any obstacle and
triumph over any adversity that stands in his way. This is important to Canada because he is a
reflection of the character of Canadians that is seen around the world. Terry Fox has given
Canada a true role model. Terry Fox has shown the world that Canadians are full with heart and
determination. He has shown Canadians, and the world that perseverance will pay off. Terry Fox
had all the obstacles lined up and he knocked them down, although the malignant tumor in his
right leg finally overwhelmed Terry, he still overcame numerous obstacles. Terry Fox had dealt
with the tumor in his leg and he overcame the amputation of his leg. He also managed to train for
the marathon of hope even though overcoming a physical and emotional amputation. He also was
able to start his run for the marathon of Hope, by an valiant attempt to run across Canada raising
money as he ran. Even though Terry Fox did not complete his goal he still lives on today in our
currency, stamps, and many more ways. Terry Fox has given Canada some one that they can try
to measure up to.
Terry Fox is a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, however he spent his child years in Port
Coquitlam, British Columbia. (Dixon, Joan pg 1-2) Terry was an athletic teenager, participated in
various sports. Terry was only 18 years old when the doctors broke the news that he had bone
cancer.(Drexel, John pg 342) Thus the doctors were compelled to have his right leg amputated 15
centimetres above the knee in 1977. However, Terry Fox over came is amputation with
optimism and grace, he was determined to do something with his life.
(www.canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions/monuments/terryfox_e.html) When Terry was recovering
in the hospital he was so overwhelmed of all the suffering and bravery by the other cancer
patients. (Zola, Meguiso pg 47) He was also inspired by the children cancer patients bravery, that
he knew that he too had to be brave. Furthermore prove that his life was worth doing something
great with. In the spring of 1977 Terry begins his first steppingstone into showing the world what
Canadians are all about. Terry was illuminated with a brilliant idea, a cross-Canada run to raise
money for cancer victims, “The Marathon of Hope” . (Drexel, John pg 342) Terrys next step was
to start training for this ambitious project. He had to teach himself how to run again, this was not
as easy as it sounds. (Zola, Meguiso pg 47) It took Terry a few months before he was able to
sustain himself while running. However while Training Terry ran over 5,000 kilometers this
pales compared to the distance of Canada coast to coast.(Dixon, Joan pg 73-76 ) Nonetheless
Terry was still determined to attempt the run. By fall Terry was confident in his condition that he
was ready to contact the Canadian Cancer Society for them to support his run. In his letter he
writes, Im not a dreamer, and Im not saying this will initiate any kind of definitive answer or
cure to cancer, but I believe in miracles. I have to.”. (Giniger, Henry pg 810) Terry later received
a letter of optimism and hope from the Canadian Cancer Society. The Canadian Cancer Society
wished Terry the best of luck.
(www.canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions/monuments/terryfox_e.html)

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Terry Fox And Joan Pg. (June 28, 2021). Retrieved from https://www.freeessays.education/terry-fox-and-joan-pg-essay/