When Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, the world hadn’t yet heard of the Canadian hero who would go on to capture the hearts of millions of people in less than six months’ time.
As he dipped his leg into the Atlantic Ocean near Outer Cove, Newfoundland that day, he also dipped a large bottle and took some of that Atlantic water with him, intending to pour it into the Pacific Ocean after making his trek across the country.
Terry’s older brother Fred told stories like that when he made a guest appearance at Comber Centennial Public School on Wednesday, September 16.
Comber Centennial was one of four schools in Windsor-Essex to host Fred Fox after he spent the previous day in Newfoundland.
Touring the country — and sometimes the world — has become a labour of love for Fred Fox as he spreads the message his brother brought with him some 46 years ago.
“My mother began spreading Terry’s message after his passing,” said Fred on Wednesday. “I’m so happy to come to these small towns and see all these kids so enthused about Terry’s legacy.”
Fox said it’s easy to get tired when doing so much traveling, but whenhe arrives in town and sees the signs and ribbons, it perks him up.
His visit to Comber Centennial included donations from students, a motivational speech and a “Terry Fox Walk” outside in the school yard.
Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey was on hand to present a special plaque to Centennial student Lauren Meadows, who is a fierce fundraiser at the school and in the surrounding area.
Lauren and her friends raised over $11,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation through their lemonade stand this past year. That makes almost $60,000 raised in the past several years.
Two-time cancer survivor Megan Patrick was also honoured by Mayor Bailey and Mr. Fox, who was very pleased with the kids’ efforts.
“Terry could never have imagined that today, 46 years later, the impact his dream would have on cancer research,” he said. “People didn’t talk about cancer the same way we do today.”
Fred says he was driving in his car in British Columbia when he heard the news on the radio that Terry had halted his trek near Thunder Bay, Ontario. He had just returned from visiting him along his route just days before in Wawa.
He said that afternoon a phone call came from Terry. He had developed lung pain and doctors told him the cancer had returned and spread to his lungs. He was hospitalized in Thunder Bay, fully expecting to return to his marathon, but it never materialized.
He succeeded in reaching his goal of a dollar from every Canadian, as his total raised reach $24 million before he had to give it up.
Highlights for Fred include being with Terry in July of 1980, where they were met by Maple Leafs captain Darryl Sittler, and Terry was able to throw out the first pitch a a Blue Jays game.
No matter the level of fame he reached, Fred said Terry remained focused on his goal of continuing across Canada and fully expected to resume the trek.
Fred now spends his days bringing Terry’s message to millions of school children all over the world — something he knows Terry would be thrilled about.
Terry Fox passed away on June 28, 1981 in New Westminster, B.C.
