Some stories transcend the boundaries of time, countries, and generations. Not because they are simple or happy, but because they carry values that we understand no matter where we come from. The story of Terry Fox is just such a story.
Terry Fox was an eighteen-year-old Canadian student who was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a bone cancer. To prevent it from spreading further, his right leg had to be amputated. However, during his stay in the hospital, Terry was not only affected by his own fate. He also saw the suffering of other patients, including young children, and decided to do something for all those who are struggling with cancer.
In 1980, he therefore set out across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. He called his journey the Marathon of Hope. In 143 days, he ran 5,373 kilometers, an average of almost one marathon a day. He ran with a prosthesis, which reminded him with every step of the difficult goal he had set in front of him.
He had to end his journey prematurely on September 1, 1980, after the cancer spread to his lungs. Terry Fox subsequently died on June 28, 1981 at the age of only 22. However, his story did not end with his death. On the contrary – it was then that the next chapter of his legacy began.
One run became a worldwide movement
After Terry’s death, his idea began to spread far beyond Canada. People around the world began organizing the Terry Fox Runs – runs in honor of Terry Fox, through which they raise funds for cancer research while commemorating Terry’s dedication. What caused his story to reach millions of people across cultures and generations?
“We all know someone who has had cancer. We all want our friends and loved ones to survive this disease. I think in Terry, each of us sees something that we can relate to – trying to do our best to overcome an obstacle and trying to change something that really matters,” explains Peter Sherementa, CEO of the Terry Fox International Runs under the auspices of The Terry Fox Foundation.
According to him, it is this universal human experience that is behind the fact that Terry’s story was able to cross the borders of Canada. Cancer does not ask about nationality or the place where a person lives. Nor does the effort to help others. According to Peter Sherementy, Terry’s legacy can be summed up in three values that are also important for children: perseverance, compassion and an active approach. Not giving up, noticing others and deciding to do something to make the world a better place.
When perseverance turns into real change
Today, the Terry Fox Run is not just a reminder of one extraordinary person. It is also an important part of supporting cancer research. According to The Terry Fox Foundation, more than 3 million students around the world have already participated in school runs. Each of them adds their own step to a huge collaborative effort. “They combine their efforts with more than 3,000,000 other students around the world. All of these people together raise funds that fund cancer research. In this way, students become part of a global movement to find more effective ways to treat cancer,” says Peter Sherementa.
At the same time, supporting research brings concrete results. One example is bone cancer, which Terry himself battled. “In Terry’s time, if you had bone cancer, you lost a leg nine out of ten. Today, nine out of ten cases you keep your leg,” says Sherementa. Research has moved significantly in more than four decades. Nevertheless, its funding remains essential. As Peter Sherementa reminds us through the words of a cancer survivor of his: “When a doctor tells you that you have cancer, you want the research to take place ten years ago. That’s why we need to fund the research right now.”
Why we continue in Terry’s footsteps
It is these values that we want to pass on to our students at Maple Bear Schools. We believe that education does not end with what happens in the classroom. We want to lead students to perceive the world around them, to be interested in others and to be able to contribute to their positive change. That’s why it’s an honor for us to continue in Terry’s footsteps. Not to imitate his incredible athletic performance, but to continue his idea. Terry showed that even one person can inspire millions of others with their determination. And that change begins when we decide to take the first step.
Today, the Terry Fox Run takes place in a number of countries around the world and is gradually reaching Central and Eastern Europe. Peter Sherementa sees this as proof of what we have in common as people: “The photos of your events show dedicated teachers, optimistic students and caring parents. Although they were taken thousands of kilometers from Canada, for example in Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic or Ukraine, these could be the same photos as from Canada. Schools have something in common – people who care about each other and who believe that we can make the world a better place.” And this year, we are also joining this global movement.
Terry Fox Run in Maple Bear Olomouc
This year, we are organizing our own Terry Fox Run, which will involve our schoolchildren, kindergarten children and children from nearby Olomouc kindergartens. We want our students to get to know not only the story of Terry Fox, but also understand that their own activity can have real meaning. That helping others does not have to mean grand gestures. Sometimes it can start simply – with one run, one post or a decision to join.
Therefore, part of this year’s Terry Fox Run is also a public collection Running for Hope on the Donio.cz platform. Its goal is to support research into cancer treatment at the Olomouc University Hospital. Terry Fox wanted to help scientists find new treatment options through his run. More than four decades later, we continue the same idea – this time right in our city.
We run for hope
Terry once started with a single step. His step became a movement that millions of people around the world gradually joined. Now we can add our step too.
Join us and support the Running for Hope Donio.cz fundraiser. Each donation, regardless of its amount, helps a common goal – to support research into cancer treatment at the Olomouc University Hospital. You will become part of a story that began in Canada, covered thousands of kilometers and continues today here in Olomouc. Because cancer knows no borders, but neither does hope.
