Twenty-nine years ago I participated in the very first Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research. I was 10 years old and, like all Canadians, captivated by the dream of a heroic young man who had lost a leg to the disease. He called it his 'Marathon of Hope' and his goal was to run from coast to coast raising awareness and research funds to "make the hurting stop".Incredibly, he logged 5,373 kilometres over 143 consecutive days, raising $24.17 million (a dollar for every Canadian, just as he'd hoped) before cancer returned and took his life, a month before his 23rd birthday.
Today I had the privilege of sharing the Terry Fox Run experience with my daughter for the first time; she is 10 years old and the poignancy of the similarity was not lost on me. Over the past year she has been absolutely mesmerized by all things Terry Fox -- his story, his accomplishments, his vision. Our house is brimming with every piece of memorabilia ever produced in his honour. She steadfastly believes, as he did, that every contribution and effort counts, no matter how small. Her enthusiasm and dedication have been infectious. Over the course of a few months her friends and family contributed almost $700 to her cause ... making her happier than any Christmas or birthday gift ever has.
Side by side we walked the 10 km route today, feeling quite proud of our accomplishment - that is, until we remembered that Terry ran an average of 42 km's every day for almost 5 MONTHS ... with a very primitive looking artificial leg. Talk about putting things into perspective!
I don't know what my girl will grow up to be, or what her legacy will be, but if she retains even a fraction of the optimism, determination, integrity and compassion that she models after her hero, Terry Fox, then my hopes and dreams for her life will certainly be realized.
“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, Sept. 1980
1 comment:
Wiping the tears from my eyes and smiling with great pride at your girl. She has a very beautiful heart just like her mom. Hugs and kisses to both of you for the dedication you both have shown to making a difference.
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