“How many people do something they really believe in? I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try. Dreams are made if people try.”
Terry Fox didn’t say this at the beginning of his run when this brave young Canadian dipped his artificial leg into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s and set off on a journey of determination that would become an international call to action.
He said it at the end, once he had discovered that his cancer had spread to his lungs and his Marathon of Hope, which had captivated a nation, was over.
Terry saw a need. He dreamed. He acted.
Step by step, kilometer by kilometer – he forged ahead.
He stumbled – he got up.
He hurt – he stood tall and kept moving.
He left his limitations in the dust on highways from St. Johns to Thunder Bay.
And even when cancer finally ended his run, that’s all it ended. The strength, grace, dignity, and spirit of this one young Canadian continue to live every day – in his legacy. In the battles fought and won in his name.
Terry’s influence spans generations, provinces, cities – even countries.
Terry inspired people around the world to dig deep, to find the courage to reach beyond their limits and succeed.
To define success in different ways.
To overcome fear.
He taught us to see people with disabilities, illnesses and other physical and mental limitations differently.
He taught us to see what’s possible – instead of what’s not possible.
He showed us that the human spirit is limitless.
It cannot be weakened by illness.
It cannot be extinguished by adversity.
Terry’s example reminds us all that we can overcome what we perceive as our limitations. We can leave them in the dust if we try hard enough. If we believe hard enough. If we persevere.
Terry Fox showed us what it truly means to be Canadian.
