By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Fred Fox, the brother of Canadian hero Terry Fox, made a special trip through Essex County, making stops at Centennial Public School in Comber and other schools across the region.
His visit was met with eager anticipation, as students and staff at Centennial were thrilled to welcome someone so closely tied to Terry Fox’s legacy.
Terry embarked on his Marathon of Hope in support of cancer research more than four decades ago, and now his older brother is making sure Terry’s legacy – and story – live on in a way that only a sibling could, sharing family and friends’ pictures and stories.
Fox spoke about growing up in the Fox family with his “very determined” brother. He pointed out that the impact of Terry’s Marathon of Hope is still relevant and continues to be recognized, 45 years after his brother began his journey on foot from St. John’s, Newfoundland.
After losing his right leg to cancer at 18, Terry Fox taught himself to walk and then run with a walking prosthesis. By age 21, he was running nearly 20 kilometres daily and announced to his parents his plan to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Terry ran the equivalent of a marathon a day for 143 days, covering 5,373 kilometres, before his cancer returned and forced him to stop two-thirds of the way through his journey. His determination inspired millions and brought national attention to cancer researc
“He could never have imagined, 45 years ago when he was running across Canada, that new generations of students would be doing their part,” said Fred.
Fox acknowledged, “Special recognition to Lauren Meadows and friends for their ongoing fundraising efforts over the years, achieving an incredible $62,000 fundraising goal, bringing people together around a cause that has touched generations of Canadians.”
“It’s amazing to be here in Comber,” said Fred. “I get the opportunity to travel across Canada, and to see such dedicated enthusiasm in such a small town is incredible. Your efforts at such a young age are truly inspiring. I am here to tell you that you need to know that you are making a difference!”
Fox says he was inspired by “meeting ‘Mighty’ Megan Patrick and her family, learning about her fight against Leukemia. Her courage, resilience, and generosity continue to inspire the Centennial Central Community.”
“This is about small community and coming together for a great cause…It’s what Terry would have wanted.”
At each school that Fred visited, he acknowledged the contributions of students, staff, and community to supporting Terry Fox’s dream.
Approximately 600 students from the 13 secondary schools within the board gathered at Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle the next day for a system-wide event supporting the Terry Fox Foundation to raise awareness and aid cancer research. Students walked 12 laps around the school track, symbolizing the remaining 3,000 kilometres of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
Fox said he is amazed by how his brother’s story has had a global impact. There are now Terry Fox Runs in 30 countries, and the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $1 billion for cancer research.
He related Terry’s story to the lives of young people today telling them:
“Terry showed us in 1980, that one person with a goal can make a difference. Each and every one of you can make a difference no matter what you want to do, today or in the future, whatever your plans are,” concluded Fred. “Just like Terry, set goals, always work hard and never, never give up on your dreams.”