On November 12, 1976, a seemingly insignificant accident changed Terry Fox's destiny forever. At 18, he learned he had osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. His right leg had to be amputated.
Three years later, instead of giving up, he embarked on an unthinkable challenge: running across Canada on one leg to raise money for cancer research. Every day, he covered the equivalent of a full marathon: 42 km. Every day.
After 143 days and 5,373 km, he had to stop: cancer had spread to his lungs. But not his courage. Terry Fox had already raised over $24 million. He died in 1981, at only 22 years old.
Even today, few know his face. And yet, this young Canadian has done more for humanity than most of our adored millionaire idols.
There are athletes. And there are heroes.
