YORKTON - Four schools in Yorkton had a special guest talking to students Wednesday
St. Paul’s School was the first stop of the day where principal Quinn Haider introduced the guest as “the brother of a true Canadian hero.”
The hero was well-remembered Terry Fox, famed for his ‘Marathon of Hope’ in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research.
The guest was Terry’s older brother Fred Fox, who spoke to the students about the Herculean run his brother undertook now nearly 50 years ago.
Fred Fox explained how his brother was always someone who took on a challenge with the determination to find a way to succeed.
So when Terry Fox found out a sore knee he thought was a rugby injury turned out to be bone cancer which would necessitate amputation of part of the leg, he took the situation as another challenge to overcome.
Always loving basketball, Terry quickly started wheelchair basketball, and then he started to run, his first efforts undertaken in the dark.
“He didn’t want to see anyone see him fall,” said Fred Fox.
Soon he was running with an eye on a marathon, which Fred said was really amazing as Terry was learning to run with a prosthetic leg meant to walk with. He said there were no prosthetics for running back then as one might have seen athletes use in the most recent Paralympics in Paris.
Fred Fox said Terry actually finished last in his first marathon but that did not bother him because he has still succeeded in his goal of finishing the run.
Therein was one of Terry Fox’s strengths – learned from his mother. He set goals and then focused his energy in achieving them, said Fred, adding that was a message he hoped students would follow.
In time Terry Fox decided he wanted to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research, eventually starting in Newfoundland in April 1980. He had a goal in mind to raise $1 million.
The response to his effort was so positive, his goal upgraded to one dollar per person in Canada, some 23 million at the time. Fred said Terry would see the goal met, but by then his run was over. His cancer had returned ending his run in Thunder Bay and ultimately ending his life too.
But, the goal of raising funds survived said Fred Fox with Terry Fox runs occurring in some 30 countries worldwide from Ireland to Dubai.
Schools have also taken up the challenge – including efforts at St. Paul’s School raising some $40,000 over the last 16 years.
Nationally 10,000 schools are registered for supporting the effort, $14 million in 2024, and $310 million over the years.
Teacher Michael Laskowski gave thanks to Fred Fox for his presentation.
“Fred, on behalf of St. Paul's and from a very personal place in my heart, I want to extend our deepest and most sincere thanks for being with us today,” he said. “For 16 years, our school community has proudly participated in the Terry Fox Run. Year after year, we've laced up our shoes, not just to run, but to carry forward a legacy of hope, courage, and unwavering determination.”
“. . . Your presence here today, Fred, breathes new life into that tradition for all of us, especially our students. Hearing you speak about Terry, about the Marathon of Hope, and about the incredible work of the Terry Fox Foundation is profoundly moving.
“You, Fred, are an inspiration in your own right. Your tireless dedication to carrying Terry’s message across the country, your service to Canadians in continuing this vital mission, is a testament to the power of family, commitment, and the drive to make a difference.
“It’s a message that resonates deeply with me personally, and I know with everyone here.”
