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Influential Canadians: Terry Fox

What has he done that contributes to a national identity in Canada?


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Terry Fox
      Terry Fox was a cancer research activist, and used his voice to raise awareness of cancer. When he was experiencing months of chemotherapy he saw the pain and suffering others who had been diagnosed with cancer was going through. This became a driving force in Fox's mission to help. Dick Traum, an amputee that ran the New York City Marathon, had inspired Fox with an idea. What if he would run across Canada on his own feet, to raise awareness and funds for cancer research? In April 1980, Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope initiated. More than 5,000 km were logged on his training runs. He also gained the support of a multitude of companies and organizations: the Canadian Cancer Society, War Amputations of Canada, Ford Motor Company, Imperial Oil, and Adidas. On average, Fox was set on running about 42 km per day. Terry Fox contributes to a national identity in Canada because his actions are what Canada stands for. The selflessness to help others, is something that is valued in Canada. To always think about the world around, and help where you can.

What I feel that has made him influential:


        I feel like his personal struggle against cancer and his stone set determination to raise money for cancer research is what made him so admirable and influential. Due to cancer, he lost his right leg, leaving his with a prosthetic leg. However, Fox did not allow his disability to limit or prevent him from achieving his goals. Which goes to show that, no matter your disability or circumstance, you have the ability to make a change in the world. Not only has Terry Fox raised awareness and funds for cancer research, he has also inspired so many minds. He has inspired people who believe that their circumstance or disability limits them, think other wise. He helped make the bond between Canadians stronger as well, as people involved were all fighting for the same cause. In 1981, Steve Fonyo, Rick Hansen, and Isadore Sharp organized the first annual Terry Fox Run. The foundation that currently organizes the run has raised over $700 million for cancer research.
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