Carson Ogloff, an avid runner, is inspired by the legacy of Terry Fox. Photo by Rheanna Mirus.

It was 43 years ago Terry Fox began the Marathon of Hope and his legacy still continues to impact people in Lethbridge and all over Canada raising money for cancer research. 

At the young age of 18 Fox lost his leg to cancer. While he was recovering from his surgery in the hospital he witnessed children and young adults suffering from cancer, which left a huge impact on his life.

Fox decided to raise money for cancer research by running across Canada on his prosthetic leg. 

The run is known as the Marathon of Hope and its goal was to raise awareness for cancer and provide hope to those suffering from the disease. 

The starting point was in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Fox ran through all weather conditions. He ran when there were crowds of people around and when there was no one to be seen. Through it all, Fox never stopped running. 

The cancer Fox had moved into his lungs and he was forced to stop his marathon in Thunder Bay, Ontario. 

According to the Terry Fox Foundation, Fox passed away in 1981 due to cancer in his lungs.

Terry Fox senior, Fox’s uncle who currently resides in Lethbridge with his family, shares he never stopped supporting his grandson’s mission to make a situation better than it was. 

“He realized that no one was doing much as far as research for cancer and that’s why he had to get out and run to help the kids,” he added. 

When Fox was placed in the children’s ward after his amputation, it was clear to him something needed to change. 

Fox senior said that he knew his nephew was going to think of a way to make a difference. 

“I wasn’t surprised too much, because he always had determination and he always had that, and he wanted to do things right” says Fox senior. 

Fox’s legacy continues to support the Terry Fox Research Institute through each contribution.  

Arlene Mantie followed the news as Fox ran his marathon and says Fox taught her one person can make a difference. 

“Terry is an icon and a Canadian hero. He will never be forgotten,” says Mantie. 

According to the Terry Fox Foundation, he raised over a million dollars for cancer research on his journey from Newfoundland to Thunder Bay during his travels for 143 days. 

Mantie says she was touched at the time when Fox set out on his marathon being she is only two weeks apart in age from Fox. 

“To see this young man be that courageous and set out on a mission like that was unheard of,” said Mantie.

Mantie participates in runs and various fundraising events each year to support Fox’s fundraising for cancer.

The Marathon of Hope continues to inspire today’s generations to keep contributing towards the research and development surrounding cancer.

One of Terry Fox’s quotes was, “I’m not going to give up. But I might not make it if I don’t, the Marathon of Hope better continue.”

Terry Fox runs are an annual fall tradition happening across Canada. According to the Terry Fox Foundation more than six hundred and fifty communities participate each year.