Thirty-two years ago, Terry Fox died. But three decades later, his legacy lives on. Just ask Niall McKee.
The 24-year-old was diagnosed with the same cancer that took Fox’s life and ended his Marathon of Hope.
Had it not been for Fox – and the $600 million or so people have raised around the world to fight the disease – McKee might not be alive and well today.
Last Sunday morning, a pre-fall chill in the air, more than 500 people descended on the trails of Boulevard Lake to take part in the annual Terry Fox run.
The one-legged runner, who captured the attention of a nation in 1980 and 1981, has a special connection with Thunder Bay.
It was east of the city where his effort came to a tearful end. A statue marks the milestone.
Luckily Thunder Bay is never at a shortage for volunteers, who are the backbone of the fundraising event.
Sadly, that’s not the case elsewhere in Canada, where a number of runs had to be cancelled in Nova Scotia and Ontario.
Now is not the time to forget or give up on what Terry Fox was trying to accomplish. He only gave up his run when he was physically unable to go on.
Come on Canada, let’s keep his dream alive. We owe him that much.
