The legacy of Terry Fox is something that all Canadians know. His struggle and great strength amidst extremely difficult circumstances are remembered each year.
Though Terry lost his battle with cancer, all Canadians carry on his efforts in raising money for cancer research and awareness.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Terry's brother, Fred Fox, visited both Carlyle Elementary School and Arcola School to speak with local youth.
While with the students he spoke of growing up with Terry and memories of his brother during the Marathon of Hope in 1980; but, mostly he spoke of how much of a regular person Terry was.
"Terry was truly just like you guys," Fred explained. "He was an average Canadian kid."
"Terry would tell you he was ordinary."
This was a way to enforce the fact that Terry, though average, was able to inspire a country and the world, as Terry Fox Runs are now held globally. He presented Terry as someone the youth could identify with and hopefully inspired them in turn.
Fred was also humbled upon entering Arcola School, where he was greeted by the Terry Fox pennants, plaques, and posters.
"For me to walk into the school with the Terry Fox pennants, appreciative plaques, and the school poster my mom signed a few years ago, that's amazing!" Fred exclaimed.
Fred also explained that Terry's Marathon of Hope had intended to raise one dollar for cancer research on behalf of every Canadian.
To date the organization has raised over $600 million and continues to draw many to its cause every year including Carlyle Elementary School, Manor School, and Arcola School as well as many others in the area.
The inspirational speech coalesced in Arcola with the presentation of a pennant marking 30 years of dedication to the Terry Fox Foundation through participation in the run and a total of $66,461 being raised to date.
In all the schools and community members were thankful for the opportunity to hear from Fred.
The schools were also looking forward to their annual Terry Fox Run, with Carlyle and Arcola holding theirs on Sept. 26 and Manor holding one on Sept. 27.
