There are stories that know no boundaries – temporal, geographical or generational. Not because they offer a simple solution, but because they touch on the values associated with humanity. The fate of Terry Fox is exactly from this rank.
Terry was only eighteen years old when doctors told him of a cruel diagnosis: osteogenic sarcoma, an insidious bone cancer. To save his life, they had to surgically amputate his right leg. But his stay in the cancer ward did not only open Terry’s eyes to his own illness. Seeing the silent suffering of his fellow patients – including young children – he was born with a determination to help all those who are struggling with this diagnosis.
In 1980, he embarked on an unlikely journey across Canada with a clear goal: to raise money for cancer research. He called his mission the Marathon of Hope. In 143 days, he was able to cover an unimaginable 5,373 kilometers with the prosthesis, which corresponds to the average of almost one marathon a day. Every step was a huge physical test for him.
On September 1, 1980, he was struck by another blow – cancer metastasized to his lungs and forced him to end running prematurely. On June 28, 1981, Terry Fox died at the age of 22. But his life story did not end there; on the contrary, he gave impetus to something much bigger.
From one marathon to a global wave of solidarity
, Terry’s legacy crossed Canadian borders after his death. The so-called Terry Fox Runs began to emerge around the world. The Terry Fox Runs, which combine a reminder of his courage with financial support for scientific research. Why does this story resonate across different cultures?
“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.
It is this universal experience that makes Terry’s story a global phenomenon. Cancer is not chosen by passport or nationality – and the same is true of human solidarity. According to Peter Sherementa, Terry left a message built on three basic pillars: perseverance, empathy and determination to act. That is, not giving up, perceiving the needs of others and actively contributing to making the world a better place.
When determination turns into tangible progress
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 joint 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, the 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 friend who survived cancer himself: “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.”
Building on Terry’s legacy
These are exactly the ideas we want to pass on to our students at Maple Bear Schools. For us, education is not only about the curriculum in the classroom, but also about leading children to be sensitive to the world around them and to want to help. Being part of Terry’s legacy is an honor for us. We are not about breaking sports records, but about spreading his idea: even one person can spark a change that inspires millions of others with his will. Just take the first step.
The tradition of the Terry Fox Run is gradually taking root in Central and Eastern Europe. Peter Sherementa sees this as a clear proof of our closeness to each other: “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, they 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.
How we ran in Prague
This year, we in Prague have put this idea into practice. On October 22, we organized our first Terry Fox Run for our students and their parents.
It was a day full of belonging, team energy and the joy of moving for a good cause. The event also included a charity fundraiser, in which we managed to raise an amazing CZK 86,244 together. All this amount goes directly to support cancer research at the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and the Motol University Hospital.
A huge thank you goes to all runners, donors and supporters. The great response from children and parents convinced us that we must continue this tradition. Therefore, we plan to repeat the event next year and open it completely to the general public. The Prague chapter of Terry’s story is just beginning!
