April 28, 2013
I cannot think of Terry Fox without feeling a very deep sense of loss.
The large plaque reads:
"I was lucky to do what I did. How many people ever get a chance to do something they really believe in." Terry Fox
On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox began his dream to run across Canada in support of cancer research by dipping his artificial leg into the Atlantic waters off St. John's, Newfoundland. Terry's run, which he called the 'Marathon of Hope', would do so much more by uniting Canadians in support of his heroic desire to better the lives of others.
On September 1, near Thunder Bay, Ontarion, and 5,373 kilometers later Terry's footsteps ceased as cancer reclaimed his body. Ten months later, it would claim his life. Yet Terry's heroism and determination live on in the hearts of not only Canadians but all people worldwide who continue to pursue his dream by raising money annually in the fight against cancer.
Terry's steps still echo in the lgacy he continues to weave today through the example he set for all of us that dreams can come true.
This plaque was unveiled by Terry's parents, Betty and Roland Fox, on the occasion of the rededication of the Terry Fox statue, July 1, 1998, in the presence of His Excellency the Right Honourable Romeo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Mr. Bob Chiarelli, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton.
The sculptor for the Terry Fox statue also sculpted the firefighter at the Canadian Firefighters Memorial.