“Today is the day it all begins…”
Those were the first words in Terry Fox’s journal when starting the Marathon of Hope, according to Terry’s older brother Fred.
Fred Fox visited Macaulay Public School and Bracebridge Public School on April 14 to speak with students about Terry Fox’s legacy, the Marathon of Hope, and to show gratitude for the schools working so hard to fundraise money for cancer research.
According to Macaulay school officials, the school has raised nearly $30,000 to date.
“Fred mentioned in his presentation that when they were young, they didn’t really know what cancer was, whereas kids today have a bit more familiarity but can feel some hope behind it.” says Amy Wheler, Special Education Resource Teacher at Macauley. “Every year when we do the run the kids wear a sticker that says who they are running for, and everybody always seems to have a family member who they are running for and that just speaks volumes to what motivates them personally.”
Fox was amazed to see the passion that schools like Macaulay have when they do the Terry Fox run, especially since the kids, most staff and parents were not around when Terry ran 45 years ago.
He believes if Terry were here today to see students and schools participating in the Marathon of Hope, he would be proud because they are continuing to raise money for cancer research. He’d also see that he’s inspired generations of kids and shown them that a little bit of hard work goes a long way.
Fred said in one of Terry’s journal entries he wrote, “I want to set an example that will never be forgotten.” Fox hopes that with the kids Terry is doing that all the time.
“Just like Terry…set goals, always work hard, and never ever give up on your dreams,” he said.
According to Terry Fox Foundation officials, the foundation is a leading national charitable organization which honors the vision and spirit of an iconic Canadian while raising critical funds for cancer research. The organization plays a vital role in building community, as they engage more than 20,000 passionate volunteers and 3.5 million students in nearly 10,000 annual fund-raising events.
“It’s been such a pleasure to organize this tour for Fred Fox in Bracebridge, Midland and Penetanguishene. The family of schools in that area have been participating in the Terry Fox run for over 20 years.” says Nishi Bansal, Director for the Terry Fox Ambassador Program. “It means so much to us to say a little thank you by sending Fred to the schools with the kids, thanking students for all their incredible fundraising efforts and for everything they do for Terry Fox and for them to be able to connect with Fred is so special and a once in a life time opportunity and it’s been a pleasure working with these schools.”
To learn more about Terry Fox and the foundation or to learn how you can help, visit Join the Terry Fox Run! – Terry Fox Foundation
