In memory of...

[FuZzYknUckLeS]

Terry Fox. Anyone who has impacted our lives in such a positive and meaningful way deserves a moment of our time, and especially now, the 25th anniversary of his ordeal.

"That's the thing about cancer. I'm not the only one, it happens all the time to people. I'm not special. This just intensifies what I did. It gives it more meaning. It'll inspire more people… I just wish people would realize that anything's possible if you try. When I started this Run, I said that if we all gave one dollar, we'd have $22 million for cancer research, and I don't care, man, there's no reason that isn't possible. No reason."

To date, the Terry Fox foundation has raised over $360 million. Today, because of the research that money has funded, a person with the same cancer Terry had, would live.

 

[Kev]

Today, because of the research that money has funded, a person with the same cancer Terry had, would live.

What kind of cancer did Terry have that killed him FuZ?

 

[LonelyGhost]

What kind of cancer did Terry have that killed him FuZ?

they mentioned it in the paper -- some kind of bone cancer ... the real news is that if he had gotten it today, he probably would not have had his leg amputated and he would have lived ... over an 80% survival rate today!

 

[sirlickheralot]

What kind of cancer did Terry have that killed him FuZ?

He lost his leg to bone cancer but it eventually spread into his lungs which is what killed him.

 

[carlotta]

Terry Fox...

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame with an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled that inner light.
- Albert Schweitzer ​

Terry Fox is my flame. Whenever I feel blue, I think 'What would Terry do?" Somewhere along the line, I read an interview of Terry's in which he was asked, "How do you do such a feat?" Meaning running across Canada, the interviewer was very obviously focused on the ENTIRE length of the run.

Terry, answered, "One telephone pole at a time, or one tree on the side of the road at a time." Meaning he would focus on say a tree, just ahead and would pat himself on his back (not literally), when he passed said tree. How he felt VERY good about himself, each moment of the run.

I have used same philosophy with hurdles in my life. Focusing on the nearest "achievable" goal. Basically, "one step at a time."

Thank you Terry, for making me a VERY proud Canadian.

Carlotta

 

[dirtydan]

Lung cancer

What kind of cancer did Terry have that killed him FuZ?

I do believe it was lung cancer that killed Fox. The story goes he knew long before Thunder Bay that something serious was wrong with himself. However he kept it to himself. His brother began to notice all was not right and eventually got him to go to the doctor. At the time the cancer was too far gone and for Fox it was only a matter of time.

One thing that has resulted in the 25 years since his Marathon of Hope, that being the cancer he had his leg now results in far fewer amputations. Those people that do end up getting a leg removed, their artificial leg is lighter and stronger than the model used by Fox 25 years ago.

The bugger with cancer is in a simplistic sense everyone already has it. The mutated genes within us become cancerous when something triggers it.

 

[dirtydan]

If I may

I don't mean this as an attempt to undermine the thread, but some one else should be mentioned.

http://www.secaucus.us/project/wikipedia/index.php/Steve_Fonyo

Another kid that lost his leg to cancer and completed his cross Canada run in 1985. His life soured from mishandling the fame and the comparisons to Fox. Depression and booze got the better of him.

So while we accord Fox the respect he most certainly deserves, here is one small voice that also says thanks to Fonyo.

 

[wolverine]

People still question Steve Fonyo's motivations, but he should be recognized.

 

[FuZzYknUckLeS]

People still question Steve Fonyo's motivations, but he should be recognized.

Indeed, as should Rick Hansen.

HOWEVER...

This is a memorial thread to honour the 25th Anniversary of Terry Fox. Those 2 are still alive....

 

[LonelyGhost]

So while we accord Fox the respect he most certainly deserves, here is one small voice that also says thanks to Fonyo.

i agree ...

... Steve got the job done but got vilified for running in Terry's 'footsteps' ... then the problems started and the guy is still hated for no real good reason.

 

[sirlickheralot]

Actually Terry Fox has raised more than 360 BILLION dollars. Watched an amazing special on him yesterday. Wow.

Rest in Peace Terry. Many people live on because of your spirit and determination.

$360 million, his original goal was $22 million, $1 for every Canadian at the time.

 

[aznboi9]

What kind of cancer did Terry have that killed him FuZ?

Osteosarcoma. It's a form of primary bone cancer that's seen more commonly in the younger age group.