Interesting items

Terry Fox

Running for hope

As a child, Terry Fox already possessed that determination that has won the world’s admiration. In Secondary II, when he was suggested to abandon basketball for the wrestling team, he redoubled his efforts until he became part of the team and became one of the best athletes in the school. At university, his perseverance and mental strength once again opened him the doors of the basketball team in front of more talented players. Tenacious, he had refused to stop playing despite paralyzing knee pain. In March 1977, he learned the nature of his illness: cancer. Terry had his leg amputated 15.2 cm above the knee.

He cried only once about his fate

The evening before the operation, his high school coach visited him with an article about a one-armed runner who had finished the New York Marathon. That night, Terry dreamed that he was running across Canada.

The chemotherapy and the months of hospitalization gave a goal to his dream. Seeing the pain and tears caused by cancer, he knew he had to run to raise awareness and fundraise for cancer research.

Running after a dream

Terry managed to run 41.8 km a day, seven days a week, a grueling pace even for a high-caliber athlete without a disability. Neither his artificial leg nor his truncated limb were designed to absorb such incessant movements. Yet despite the cysts, wounds, blisters and exhaustion, Terry continued to run, eyes fixed on the horizon, armed with an unshakeable conviction.

On September 1, 1980, he had traveled 5,373 km. At that time, he was approaching Thunder Bay, Ontario, and battling a persistent cough. The doctors then discovered that the cancer had reached his lungs. Terry had to stop, but his marathon of hope continued. Donations continued to flow to $ 23.4 million. This amount was $ 1 for each Canadian, which was Terry’s wish.

Hope persists

Many believe that Terry would have reached Vancouver if the cancer had not taken away his lungs and, ultimately, his life on June 28, 1981. His inexhaustible determination would have probably allowed him to reach his goal. Still, 25 years after this first marathon of hope, Terry’s strength and spirit are still present at the many Terry Fox races held annually around the world.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the launch of the marathon of hope, the Royal Canadian Mint honors Canadian hero Terry Fox by hitting an inspiring $ 1 commemorative circulation coin.

Composition:​
Bronze on nickel

Finished:
​Circulation

Reverse:
Terry Fox in the middle of the marathon of hope by Stan Witten

​Avers:​
Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II (by Susanna Blunt)