IN THE FACE OF DEATH

Shortly after arriving back in Vancouver, Fox held a press conference at Royal Columbian Hospital-where he would begin chemotherapy
treatment. Fox was asked by a reporter if he felt bitter, and remarkably Fox refused to be angry about his fate.

“No, | don’t feel bitter. I'm not surprised by anything anymore. This is the way life is. I'm not the only one who is in this situation. There
are a lot of people in worse situations [...] I'm not bitter at anybody.” On September 18, 1980, Fox became the youngest recipient of the
Companion of the Order of Canada. The ceremony was held at City Hall in Port Coquitlam. Fox died at Royal Columbian Hospital on June
28, 1981, with his family at his side. He was 22 years old.

REMEMBERING TERRY AND CONTINUING HIS LEGACY

Fred Fox, manager for Support Relations at the Terry Fox Foundation, says he is proud to be carrying on his brother's memory. “It’s Terry's
selflessness, his determination, the never give up attitude that Terry displayed,” Fox said in an email interview with the Other Press. “In
1980 and still today, people recognize Terry's honesty and integrity, that what he was doing was for all of the right reasons. It’s the next
generations that continue to see Terry as an example that you don’t need to be the best. Terry would say he was just average, but hard work
helps you achieve your goals.”

Steve Hanson, head coach for the SFU men’s basketball team, says Fox's legacy remains a significant part of their basketball program.
The team has dedicated a locker stall in their team room in Terry's honour, as a reminder of his strong work ethic and determination. Another
reminder is Fox's number 4 jersey which is retired and inside the gym the team practices in everyday. “So, | feel it is my job to keep Terry's
legacy at SFU alive and talk about his inspiring story in relation to basketball,” Hanson said in an email interview with the Other Press. “If any
student-athlete in my program does not know his story, | have not done my job. We have many things named after Terry Fox at SFU, but it is
more important to share the ‘why’ he started the Marathon of Hope and telling our students that he was the same age.”

Jay Triano is a former Canadian men’s national basketball player and former SFU player (from 1977 to 1981). He
became friends with Terry Fox at SFU as students. Today, Triano is an assistant coach with the Charlotte Hornets
of the NBA, and he reflects on his friendship with Fox. “As you know, Terry was a friend of mine, but more
importantly he was an inspiration for generations of Canadians,” Triano said in an email interview with the
Other Press. “A true hero, who | was able to watch as he transformed from a regular student athlete to
becoming one of the greatest Canadians of all time. [...] His drive, motivation and caring for others still
motivates me to this day, and | know he has had the same affect on others. | was just lucky enough to
be friends with him and watch him become a hero and one of the greatest Canadians of all time.”

Rick Hansen, Founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation, says Terry Fox also inspired him as a
prominent advocate for people with disabilities. “He was indirectly shifting attitudes from pity
and limitation to respect, ability, and potential,” Hansen said in an interview with the Other
Press. “This became a motivating and inspiring factor for me as | considered my long-time
dream of wheeling around the world. My goal was to demonstrate and create awareness
of the potential of people with disabilities, to help remove barriers and to make the
world accessible and inclusive. Terry and his story remind us all that people who have J }
varying disabilities are people first.”

A STATEMENT FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, states Canadians should never forget what Terry
Fox accomplished. “40 years ago, Terry Fox ignited a movement of hope across
Canada,” said Trudeau through his press secretary in an email statement to the
Other Press. “His determination and perseverance showed Canadians that
there are no limits to what anyone can do and inspired so many to help fight
the disease that took his life and has taken the lives of far too many. [...] |
encourage all Canadians to do their part in Terry's name, so we can continue
what he started.”

At present, over $750 million has been raised worldwide for cancer
research in Terry's name through the annual Terry Fox Run which is held in
numerous countries worldwide. In the end, Fox remained humble as the
Marathon of Hope was never about him. Speaking with reporters after
receiving the Companion of the Order of Canada, Fox reflected on his
marathon and uniting the country during that memorable summer of
1980. “I've always demanded a lot from myself and expected a lot,” Fox
said. “When | ran across Canada, [or] attempted to, the attitude | had
in doing my very best was something I've always done. And to me,
it wasn't a special thing because | knew the effort | was putting in.
That's why it's hard for me to understand how | could be a hero.”

CC

No, I don't feel bitter. I'm not surprised by
anything anymore. This is the way life is.
I'm not the only one who is in this situation.”
- Terry Fox

 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

a

 

 

P

Illustration by Udeshi Seneviratne